Alice Frances Herrenschmidt

Alice Frances Herrenschmidt was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 28, 1933 and died peacefully at home in Lincoln, Ca. on August 26, 2023, surrounded by her family. Alice met her future husband in 1st grade and the seeds of an 85-year love affair were sown. Her St. Francis High School yearbook quoted her goal “To be Mrs. H.” Three years later, Al Herrenschmidt proposed marriage, but Alice declined, saying Al wasn’t ready. In 1955, Al proposed again and this time Alice accepted and soon told him, “I want four children and all of them boys.” Al acquiesced and Alice quickly learned to be careful what she asked for.

In 1960, she and Al bought their first home, in Long Island, New York which Alice said, “I felt like the richest woman in town.” In 1966, Alice supported Al’s job promotion 3,000 miles away from the only loved ones and lifestyle she ever knew. Covina, Ca. was a laid back community lacking Alice’s up-tempo personality, but a great place to raise a family. Moving to Carmichael, Ca. in 1972, Alice taught mentally challenged students & taught herself sign language at Laurel Ruff School, so she could communicate with the deaf. She was a Special Olympics volunteer, a Catechism teacher at St. John’s church, & led a fund raising drive to help Del Campo High School construct new baseball dugouts and resurface fields still used today. In 1989, Alice & Al moved into their dream home on Lake Almanor, Ca., living out their golden years for the next 25 years.

Despite just 5’1” tall & raised during the height of the Great Depression, Alice met the man of her dreams at age 5, bought the first of six homes by age 26, moved 3,000 miles away for a better life, made her children clothes to stay within the family budget, lived by the motto “Squeaky wheel gets the grease”, never missed a son’s baseball game, prioritized being home before her kids returned from school, adeptly raised four sons while keeping her sanity, spoiled 10 grandchildren who affectionately called her “Nan”, later traveled the world flying 1st class, didn't believe in carrying a purse when she was with her man, taught her children “confidence” was the name of the game, continuously turned challenges into opportunities, and this New York Dynamo deservedly gave herself the nickname, “Tiny, But Mighty.” No husband, son or grandchild could be loved any greater and her legacy will be felt for generations to come.

Alice is preceded in death by her father & mother (Martin & Alice Tracey), twin brother (Marty Tracey) and grandson (Shane Herrenschmidt). Alice is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 68 years (Al Herrenschmidt), devoted sons Skip, Marty, Mark & Doug, 10 loving grandchildren, 9 adoring great grandchildren, older sister (Marcella Brophy), daughters-in-law Elaine (Mark) Herrenschmidt and Ruth Ann (Doug) Herrenschmidt and countless nieces and nephews.

A Viewing will be held at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park and Cemetery at 8201 Greenback Ln., Fair Oaks, Ca. 95628 on Friday, September 8th from 4pm-7pm.

A funeral service will be on Saturday, September 9th at 10am, followed immediately by a reception at the Orangevale Community Center at 6826 Hazel Ave., Orangevale, Ca. 95662. Mt. Vernon recommends any floral arrangements to be delivered by Thursday, September 7th.

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