Alice Marion (Gurbal) Smithberger passed peacefully in Orlando, FL on 10/29/2024 at the age of 97.
Alice is survived by son Mark (Wife Donna), and daughters Jill Cooke (Fiancé Jeff) and Beth Schumacher (Husband Glen), 4 grandchildren (Kelley, Brandi, Amy and Elise), 9 great grandchildren and was preceded in death by her husband William J. Smithberger.
She was born on 12/20/1926 to Elizabeth and Joseph Gurbal in North Braddock, PA, where she spent her childhood and young adult life until she met Bill, her husband, working as a Receptionist at Westinghouse Corporation. They were married on August 17, 1949.
A few years passed and Alice and Bill moved to Akron Ohio where their first child Mark and later Jill were born. When Bill accepted a Vice President position at Colonial Acceptance Corporation, they moved to Wheaton, IL where they had their third child Beth.
Alice was a homemaker or in today’s standard a “Soccer Mom”. She took her children to swimming, tennis, golf and horseback riding lessons as well volunteering as a Troup Leader for Girl Scouts. She also loved to fresh and saltwater fish. Alongside her husband Bill, they bred and showed Miniature Schnauzers for many years. In 1973 the family moved to Orlando, where they settled and continued to raise their family. Later, Alice began an interesting working career at The Bird Store, a local Produce market and helped serve lunches at a local Elementary School.
Her next step was a position at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in Human Resources where she eventually retired.
Alice had a long and fulfilling life and was blessed to be married over 50 years to Bill. She loved her family, animals and life! Her favorite expression was “Every day is a Good Day”!
A Funeral will be held at St James Cathedral, Orlando, FL on 11/22/2024 with the Eulogy at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:00am.