Alene Marie Carroll Rizzo, a very kind, generous, loving and optimistic soul went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 13, 2022. She lived all 97 years of her life with a great sense of loyalty and adventure, sprinkled with humor and loving kindness. She lived every day with a deep devotion to her family and genuine love for all people. She never missed a chance to say “Thank You” to anyone who showed her kindness or helped her.
Born in Athens, Alabama in 1925, Alene then moved to St. Petersburg Florida. She accepted Christ as her Savior at age 12. During World War II, she moved to Louisville Kentucky to work for the civil service as ‘Rosie the Riveter.’ There, at age 19, she met the love of her life, Philip Rizzo. At age 21, Alene moved to San Jose, Calif., taking a job at Pacific Telephone and Telegraph as an instructor for new recruits on the switchboard.
She converted to the Catholic faith and married Philip in Feb 1947. They lived in a Quonset hut on the University of Santa Clara property. Subsequently, they moved to San Jose Calif., then onto Saratoga and Oakland before stops in Montreal, Canada, New Jersey, Texas and Connecticut before retiring in California. Declining health brought them back to Florida in 2012. Her beloved husband passed away in 2013.
She was the most proud of her family and loved having 6 children. She often talked to anyone who would listen about her kids. She had a very deep love for family connection that was evident at age 5 when she discovered she may be a descendant of Pocahontas. This sparked a 70-year, lifelong adventure into the world of genealogy.
Alene was passionate about discovering relatives and worked tirelessly researching and contacting family through the generations. She compiled enormous books of hand-typed details. They contained thousands of entries and photos, news articles and family information that spanned decades of dedicated work. It truly was her diligent work of art and a beautiful expression of love for family, a precious legacy for all who follow.
Alene discovered that she truly is a 12th-generation descendant of Pocahontas. She always dedicated her work to the Lord and thanked Him for the goodness He bestowed on her.
Alene enjoyed painting, yard sales, golf, working at small clothes boutiques and finding a good deal. She loved ‘thrifting’ with anyone who would go with her! Alene loved hats and became pretty famous within the family for the beloved red hat that she wore everywhere. One of the distinct honors in her life was being able to help President Ronald Reagan celebrate his 79th, 80th, and 81st birthdays.
When asked about her greatest accomplishments in life, Alene simply replied that she had it all. She was married to her sweetheart for 67 years. She loved her children and their spouses, her grandchildren and their spouses, and her great grandchildren. Those things, by far, were the greatest joy and most precious blessings in her life. Alene truly loved the Lord and always acknowledged His Presence in her life. She trusted Him in all situations and all trials, always praising Him for answered prayers and His blessings.
Alene is survived by her 6 children; Paul (Nancy), Milwaukee, Oregon; Carol (John) Scherer, St Augustine, Florida; Tom, Houston, Texas; Ricci (Tamara), Lyon, France; Rion (Yvonne) Atlanta, Georgia; Darren, Cosa Mesa, Calif., her 7 grandchildren; Justin Barney, Nathan (Kelly) Scherer; Chris (Lacie) Rizzo, Dustin Rizzo, Lisa (Chris) Stone; Brian Rizzo; Danielle Rizzo, and by her 8 great grandchildren; Leah Scherer, Landon Barney, Levi Scherer, Savannah Barney, Mason Stone, Savannah Rizzo, Ryker Stone and Brayden Rizzo. She is also survived by her sister, Vera Jordan, and brother, James Richard Carroll, and many beautiful loving nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.
The family of Alene wishes to express the utmost gratitude to Legacy of St. Johns where she received the greatest level of care in a most loving and kind environment during the last few years of her life. The sweet “Legacy” team of caregivers became a ‘second family’ to Alene, and she dearly loved each of them. There is also a great debt of gratitude that can never be repaid to the dedicated, loving support team of Community Hospice for several years of palliative care that exceeded any expectations.
Their personal, kind, compassionate, loving care that Alene received all along her journey was truly a gift from God. Their support for our family has been most appreciated and truly carried us through the very difficult days. The Community Hospice team became another ‘Second Family’ to Alene and to all of us. We will forever be grateful to each of them for their attentiveness, love and compassion. Alene was a kind, loving and gentle soul who loved people.
She ALWAYS saw the absolute best in others. Even in her very last difficult days she found a way to say “thank you” to those who helped her.
Alene loved others deeply.
In return, she was so deeply loved.
Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home Mandarin Chapel, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32223 will be handling arrangements.
Visitation is from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, May 23, 2022 immediately followed by a Celebration of Life service with Hospice Chaplain Kirk Crocco.
A private family graveside service will be held at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in memory of Alene Rizzo to: Community Hospice and Palliative Care Attn: Foundation, 4233 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.
Or donations can be made online at https://www.communityhospice.com
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Rizzo family.
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