Alice Theresa Diveny Gilbert

Age 84, passed away at her home on June 27, 2010, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, William F., and their five children, Mary Ann (Jay) Johnston of Brockway, PA, Alice Theresa “Terri” (James) Auckland of New Market, VA, Susan M. (Timothy) Krotz of Anaheim, CA, William J. (Amy) Gilbert of Bentley Creek, PA and Michael Gilbert of Auburn, NY; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Annie (Ray) Coughlin of North Tonawanda, NY, and many nieces, nephews. A loving mother and wife, Alice was also known for her athletic achievements. Those who competed against Alice knew her to be a force to be reckoned with on the golf course and bowling alley. She was among the first members of the Mark Twain Women’s Golf Association and won the club championship there 13 times. When she and her husband competed in the Polish National Alliance golf tournaments in the 1970s, she won the women’s division 7 consecutive years. A talented bowler, Alice earned many honors and held the high series record in the St. Mary’s bowling league in Elmira for many years. An Elmira native, she was the daughter of John and Alice (Connelly) Diveny. Alice and her father had the distinction of being the first father and daughter combination to be inducted into the Elmira Sports Hall of Fame. It wasn’t just natural athletic prowess that propelled Alice to the top of so many winners’ lists; it was her ability to keep a cool focus on each swing of the club or toss of the ball. Her level head and steady nerves in competition were as much a part of Alice as the warmth, intelligence and dry humor she shared with those around her. In addition to athletics, Alice enjoyed bridge with her friends and euchre with her husband at the White Eagles Club, Elmira. Alice recently retired from Soaring Eagles Golf Course Pro Shop after 20 years of service. Her family was important to Alice, as was her participation in the Catholic Church. She will be missed by her family and by the many people she touched in the community and remembered with love. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, corner of Water and Walnut Sts., on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Alice’s memory to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830.

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