Alice MCGRATH

GELLEY, Alice (Arges) 2008-07-31 Alice Arges Gelley, nee McGrath, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at the Regional Hospital. Alice was born to Mary and Edmund McGrath in Killrossanty, County Waterford in the Republic of Ireland on June 7, 1924. She trained as Nurse in England during World War Two where she met her future husband, Albert Arges, who was serving with the Canadian Armed Forces and stationed in Europe. They married in February of 1946 and Alice joined the ranks of the European war brides and left the shores of her home land bound for Canada. She arrived in Port Arthur to the welcoming embrace of her Italian Canadian in laws and firmly planted her roots on the cold shores of Lake Superior. She often spoke of being born of an “island people” and although she missed the ocean of her coastal birthplace, she was glad to be close to water once again in her adopted homeland. Alice devoted her life to raising her family, enjoying the company of friends and participating in her church community. While still in good health, she was an avid walker and hiker and was deeply connected to the outdoors and nature. She loved animals and all living creatures and was especially fond of the various cats that found their way into the family homestead. She was an avid reader, always interested in politics and international affairs and until shortly before her death, never missed reading a newspaper to find out what was going on in the world. Alice loved Irish music, poetry and philosophy and her “beloved homeland” was never far from her thoughts. She returned to Ireland for periodic visits and made sure that the culture of her mother country was passed on to her children. Alice was predeceased by her parents, siblings; Mary, Thomas and Liam in Ireland. Her husband and father of her children, Albert Arges and by second husband, Louis Gelley. Also predeceased by her sisters and brother in laws from the Arges family. She is survived by her children- daughter, Maureen Arges Nadin and husband Guido, son Michael Arges and wife Carol. Grandchildren- Shevaun ( Siobhan ) Nadin ( Edouard St- Pierre ) , Sheena Doran (Dave), Alan Arges ( Nicole ) and Bonnie Wigmore ( Jason) and great grandsons, Bradley Wigmore and Carson Arges. As well as numerous extended family in Ireland, Alice is also survived by sister in law Olive Arges and family and by very special nieces, nephews and godchildren whom she thought of as her own children: John Arges, Jamie Arges, Sheila Arges, Catherine Arges, Patricia Arges and son Nathan, Joanne Arges and son Matthew. Alice faced the challenges in her life with grace and dignity and maintained her Irish spirit and sense of humour right till the end. Her strength, wit and wisdom were an inspiration to her family and all who loved her and we will miss her terribly. The funeral will be held at St. Patrick‘s Cathedral on Saturday, August 2nd at 10:00 a.m and prayers will be held Friday evening at 7 pm at Blake‘s Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph‘s Care Group or the Thunder Bay Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Alice Gelley in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 28, 2009.