Alice Rose Bretall, 83, of E7881 Summit Drive, Anvil Location, Bessemer, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, at her home.
She was born Sept. 15, 1927, in Wakefield, daughter of the late Royal S. and Alice R. (Guglielmetti) Smith. Alice attended Ramsay School and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1945.
Early in life, Alice knew she wanted to help people. In her sophomore year, she started nurse's aid training at the old Wakefield Hospital. After graduation, she worked for a short time in Chicago for the U.S. Government in the War Bond Department.
Alice then moved to Wausau, Wis., and received more nurse's training at St. Mary's Hospital. In 1946, she returned to Ramsay and was employed by Divine Infant Hospital in Wakefield for over 20 years.
On June 21, 1947, Alice married her "flyboy" Bernard Gust Bretall, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wakefield. Together they celebrated over 50 years of marriage. He preceded her in death in 1998.
Alice was blessed with a beautiful voice, and was an accomplished trumpet, organ and piano player. She was gifted with the ability to play music by ear.
Alice was loved by many and will be sadly missed by all.
Surviving are her seven children, Bernard (Lupita) of Milwaukee, Barry (Janice) of Chesaning, Daniel of Ramsay, Christine of Ironwood, Suzanne of Anvil, David (Joanne) of Marquette and Joan (Paul) Jurmu of Baraga; her sister-in-law, Mary Bretall of Bessemer; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.
Besides her parents and husband, Alice was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Royal S. and Janice Smith; and two brothers-in-law, Bill and James Bretall.
Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal services.
Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.