Alice Irene Gomes (nee Lange), a 60 year resident of Lemon Grove, CA, passed away May 14 at age 92, surrounded by her loving family. Born March 13, 1921 in Ebenezer, Saskatchewan, Canada, Alice and her family immigrated to Coos Bay, Oregon in 1930. She attended school in the Coos Bay area and after graduation went to business school in Portland, becoming a top notch secretary, bookkeeper and office manager. In October 1943, the ever-helpful Alice gave a "lift" to a handsome young naval officer, which led to the love of their lifetimes. Alice and Clif were married January 5, 1944 in Coos Bay, where son Gary and daughter Elena were born. Clif was recalled to the Navy for the Korean War and commissioned in San Diego where the family moved in 1952, taking residence in Lemon Grove in 1953 where they have remained for over 60 years. After coaching and supporting Clif through graduate school to earn his teaching credential, Alice took the opportunity to further her own education, earning a BA from San Diego StateUniversity. Always concerned about education and the community, Mrs. Gomes served as President of the Golden Avenue Elementary, Lemon Grove Junior High and Mount Miguel High school PTAs and continued to be active with Clif in the California Retired Teachers Association and its scholarship programs. Alice enjoyed traveling with Clif and friends on cruises, motorhome trips, and to the USS Curtiss Association annual reunions held throughout the country. She also enjoyed San Diego's museum of art and the organ pavilion concerts. Alice is survived by her husband Clif, children Gary Gomes (Karen) and Elena Pettit (Bruce), grandchildren Kellie Townsend (Chris Pluhar) and Alison Pettit, and great grandson Miles Townsend. A celebration of life will be held on June 1, from 3 - 6, at the Lemon Grove VFW hall (lower level), 2885 Lemon Grove Ave, Lemon Grove, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of the California Retired Teachers' Association Scholarship Foundation (SD Division 4, 8750 Robinhood Ln, La Jolla, CA 92037), which Alice and Clif have volunteered with and supported over the years.
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