Alba M Lingswiler

Alba was born in Miami, May 24th, 1927, to Joseph and Mary Mero. Alba learned the value of hard work from an early age. She admired her father deeply and helped him at his automobile repair shop, while also watching her mother work tirelessly mowing lawns.

Alba studied accounting at the University of Miami, where she also became one of the school's most energetic cheerleaders. She enjoyed sharing newspaper articles highlighting the school’s parades and football games.

Throughout her life, Alba put her talents to use in several careers. She taught Spanish at Cutler Ridge Junior High School where she enjoyed the camaraderie of her fellow teachers. She worked in accounting at The Surf Club, at WIOD Radio in the Miami News Tower, and as the first female field audit agent of IRS’s Southeast district. She later opened The Jock Shop, combining her love of fashion and style with current surfing trends. She also became involved in real estate. She built her first home during a time when air conditioning was a rare luxury. Instead of relinquishing the swimming pool to the backyard, she designed the entire home around it, creating ease of a quick swim from any room in the house. Throughout all of Alba’s careers and endeavors, what she truly cherished the most were the simple times of her life. Times where the beauty of it all shined brightly, without today’s complicated ways. Her stories of old Miami will never be forgotten.

She went on to marry Kenneth Lingswiler. Through all the years of marriage, she would always say his greatest gift to her was her children.

Alba’s true love was family. Her brother, Larry "Sonny" Mero, introduced the love of sailing, which became her son’s lifelong passion. Her sister Linda's love of dogs also left a special mark on Alba's life. She cherished conversations with Nancy Steinmetz; a childhood friend of 93 years, her cousins and her Kendallwood neighborhood friends.

Alba shared her love of orchids with her daughter-in-law, Kitty, and took immense pride in her grandchildren, Kai and Kayla.

She treasured countless conversations with her daughter, Shari, about life, love, hardship and joy and everything in between. Alba and Shari had the opportunity to travel together. Her favorite trips were to Italy, where she was able to visit the province of her father’s birth, and enjoy the Italian culture she was so proud to be a part of. They created memories of a lifetime that will never be forgotten.

She described her son, Michael, as a miracle when he entered this world, and a miracle as she prepared to depart from it. Not only were they the best of friends, but they also enjoyed lighthearted banter on practically any topic. Alba truly cherished these conversations. Alba would often reflect on Mike’s early sailing days on his boat Confusion. She experienced so much joy in being a part of the friendships he developed along the way. She had the absolute pleasure of experiencing Mike becoming a father. She remained in awe of all that Micheal has accomplished. Their relationship held true to the special bond between a mother and her son.

Alba stood strong in her convictions. She loved deeply and with intention. Her life was a testament to the extraordinary power of family. She will always have a special place in the hearts of those who love her, a place in our hearts like no other.