Alice Pauline Verbeke

Born on October 3, 1929, in Adena, Ohio, Alice was the daughter of the late Brunie Stanley Martin and Mary Kubinski Martin. A woman of quiet strength, compassion, and dedication, Alice graduated from the Ohio Valley School of Nursing in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1950.

In 1955, Alice answered a higher calling and joined the United States Air Force. She served as a flight nurse with assignments in Japan and Turkey, rising to the rank of Major. Her military career was marked by courage and care, providing critical medical support during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. She completed her service with distinction at Andrews Air Force Base and Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Alice’s commitment to others did not end with her military service. While living in Northern Virginia, she became an active member of her local garden club, where she nurtured not only flowers but friendships and community. A devoted animal lover, Alice found constant joy in the companionship of her pets.

She was also a faithful member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, where she found spiritual strength and a welcoming community.

Alice loved gardening, flower arrangements, doing jigsaw puzzles, the Washington Commanders, and visiting with her family. Her favorite holiday was Memorial Day due to her love of her time in the Military. She was a proud Veteran.

Family was the heart of Alice’s life. She is survived by her loving son, Robert M. Verbeke, and his wife, Jaclyn; and by her five grandchildren, Bryce, Brayden, Taylor, Madeline, and Emma, each of whom brought her immeasurable pride and happiness.

A joint inurnment for Alice and her husband, Robert, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, a fitting tribute to a life devoted to service and love.

Alice’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched—with kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication to her country, her faith, and her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.