Alice May Smith
(1926-2022)
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Alice Smith, who died peacefully in her home on March 13, surrounded by her family. She has left a deep void in our lives.
Alice was born on March 6, 1926, in Waterloo, Wisconsin, to Leonard and Anna Doubrawa. She was raised on a dairy farm. Alice met her future husband, Arthur (Art) while he was stationed at Great Lakes as a MP (military police). It was love at first sight. They were married and had four children. In 1964, the family moved to Ventura after Art retired from twenty years, in the United States Marine Corps.
Alice was a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and a friend to many. She was a wonderful homemaker, cook, interior decorator, seamstress, and had great fashion sense. Alice was a modern-day renaissance woman, it seemed like she could do it all.
Alice prepared her children with everything needed to go out in to the world. She was always there to offer her wealth of knowledge when we had a question about babies, a recipe, or everyday dilemmas.
Her grandchildren knew her as “Grandma Cookie,” and her great grandchildren called her “Grandma Candy,” both nicknames a testament to the treats she was always sharing.
Alice’s family and many friendships were her life, and she was always there when someone needed her. She and Art enjoyed playing bridge and cribbage. They loved to dance. They were world travelers, and visited over fifty countries. Alice and Art loved to entertain.
Alice generously gave of her time at Sacred Heart Church, as the Reverend Arnold Biedermann’s personal secretary, for over a decade. For three years she served as the local president of St. Anne’s Guild, a home in Los Angeles for unwed mothers. For twenty years, Alice tirelessly fed the homeless through “Family to Family” on the Ventura Avenue.
Alice was kind to all and never knew a stranger. Everyone who knew her agrees; she will always be an inspiration and will forever stay in our hearts.
Alice is survived by her daughters; Kim Byrnes, and Tracey Cherrie, daughter-in–law; Verna Smith, and Georgia Smith, grandchildren; Patrick Smith (Nora), Shawna Mc Alpine (Dale), Nicole Patterson (Jesse), Jonathan Cherrie (Sara) and Spencer Cherrie, great grandchildren; Taylor, Haylee, Preston, Ashlyn, Savannah, Daniel, Everett, Leah and Kaiden, great-great granddaughter; Chloe, sister by heart, Marlene Walsh, nephew and niece by heart, Robert Walsh, Lori Candreva, good companion, Roger La Casse, and numerous friends.
Preceded in death was her husband Arthur Smith, sons Greg and Michael Smith, and nephew Andrew Smith.
In honor of Alice, a Most Holy Rosary will be recited on March 22, 2022 at 7 pm at the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 23, 2022 at 10am at Sacred Heart Church, 10800 Henderson Rd, Ventura, followed by a burial service at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please give in memory of Alice May Smith, to the American Cancer Society.