Obituary of Alice Leora Spellman

Alice Leora Spellman was born in Nutter Fort, West Virginia, on October 31, 1935. A veteran of the United States Air Force, she served from February 4, 1954 to December 6, 1955, earning the rank of Airman Second Class. After getting married to the love of her life, Edward James Spellman, she was honorably discharged when she became pregnant with their first child according to policy that then existed. During the following years she followed her husband and growing family as he was transferred to numerous Air Force bases throughout the world: in Washington, DC; Bedford, Massachusetts; Syracuse, New York; Biloxi, Mississippi; Hof, Germany; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and finally, to New Carrollton, Maryland, after retiring from the United States Air Force. During all these assignments, she was very involved in various organizations with gardening, tennis, bowling, golfing, and church activities. She spent countless hours in volunteering to support numerous groups that aided the poor and needy. Alice often said she never met a stranger. Her deep religious faith and magnetic personality attracted anyone and everyone who came in contact with her. She epitomized service to others – especially to God and to her family. She served as a Eucharistic minister, and was involved in Catholic Council of Women (CCW), Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP), Altar Linens Ministry, and Open Table, a ministry that supports underprivileged young adults to begin a new life. Her real love was her family; the family enjoyed outings and meals together every Sunday. Whether it was picnics, sight-seeing, or visiting other family members, it was always filled with fun, laughter, and love! Alice supported her daughter in elementary school, reading to the young second grade and fourth grade students. She often brought in baked goodies and other treats and the students affectionally called her Granny Nanny! She always supported her children, 13 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren by attending their numerous school and sporting activities. In recent months, despite undergoing dialysis three times a week, she reflected back on her life, and said she had no regrets. She was blessed by her 67-year marriage to the love of her life, Ed, a great family, and an awesome God! She is survived by her husband, Edward Spellman from Viera, Florida; 7 children - Lynne Vera (Glenn) from Melbourne, Florida; Michelle Boland (Patrick) from Albany, Oregon; Eddie Spellman (Sandy) from Odenton, Maryland; Barbara Melvin (Tom) from Viera, Florida; Carole Cowsert (Jim) from Grapevine, Texas; Patrick Spellman from Orlando, Florida; and Andy Spellman (Julie) from Plano, Texas, as well as 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund, (Kidneyfund.org). She will be buried at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with full military honors.