Alice M. Pabreza

EDWARDSBURG, Mich. — Alice M. Pabreza, 86, of Edwardsburg, passed to her rest Tuesday, Aug. 25, in her home after a long illness. She was born Sept. 29, 1928, at the family home in Mason Township in Cass County — the daughter of Benjamin J. and Ruba (Bement) Williamson — where she grew up and attended the school known as "Swamp School. She transferred to Edwardsburg Public Schools and graduated. She then attended some college and became a librarian, which became her career. After she married, her husband's work took them to Ohio, California and Arizona. While in Westerville, Ohio, she worked for the Catholic schools in the school library. While in Oceanside, Calif., she worked in Escondido at Lawrence Welk Gift Shop. Back in Michigan, she worked for Cass County Main Library in Cassopolis, mostly with the Book Mobile program, and she retired from that position. Alice was married Sept. 4, 1948, at her parent’s home, then at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Edwardsburg, to George M. Pabreza. He survives with their children, Thomas (Nancy) Pabreza of Edwardsburg and Christine Pabreza of Kalamazoo. There are two cherished grandchildren, Ryan Pabreza and Katie Pabreza. Other surviving family are a sister, Anna M. (Don) Harness of Cassopolis, brother Eugene C. (June) Williamson of Elkhart, and several nieces and nephews. Her extended family are a sister-in-law, Patricia (Pabreza) Bellaire of Edwardsburg, and a brother-in-law, Robert (Ruth) Pabreza of Lewisville, N.J. Family who have passed are her parents, brother-in-law Anthony Pabreza and a sister-in-law Anna Pabreza as a child. Alice was a person of great faith. She loved her church, her family and her community. She was very generous in giving and attending to the needs of others. She was an avid reader, having an ample supply of books to choose from. She always welcomed family and friends into her home to lend assistance, help when needed and to enjoy friendship. Family and friends may gather from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, 26863 W. Main St. (U.S. 12), Edwardsburg, where a prayer service will begin at 7:30 p.m. led by Father Joe McCormick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 24832 U.S. 12, Edwardsburg, where all may gather for an hour before the service. Officiating will be Father McCormick, pastor of the church. Interment will follow in Edwardsburg Cemetery. In the giving and helping spirit of Alice, memorial donations may be directed to any of the following: Edwardsburg Food Pantry, 24832 U.S. 12 East, Edwardsburg, MI 49112; Cass County Main Library District, 319 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; or Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Arrangements are by Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.