Alma Louise Church

Alma Louise Church, née Kerrigan, went to her eternal reward on January 13th, 2022 at the age of 96. She was born and raised in San Diego, and lived here for her entire life. Her father, George Kerrigan, was a city councilman who helped in the development of San Diego.

Alma’s 1943 Hoover High yearbook senior photo said about her “ ‘Elmer’ Plays piano well. . . . Wants to teach math . . . Secretary of Scribbler, Theta and Chemistry Clubs.” Alma studied mathematics and physics at San Diego State but got married and started a family before graduating. She later earned her masters in mathematics in 1977.

In 1945 Alma married Andrew Shaules (deceased) with whom she had nine children: Sister Patricia (a member of the Daughters of St. Paul), David (deceased 2021) (Robin), Adele, Cecelia (Vince), James (Dana), Lawrence, Sylvia, Michael and Joseph (Ayako). She was also blessed with six grandchildren (Andrew, Jeremy, David, Renee, Richard (Robyn), and Zuriel). and three great-grandchildren (Diego and Joaquin Barajas, and Amariah and Isaiah, and Tristan and Jasmine).

Alma married William Church (deceased) in 1980. She and Bill enjoyed the finer things of life: living in a lovely home, going to music and opera performances and traveling in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.. She and Bill took cruises to destinations such as Hawaii, islands in the Mediterranean, St Petersburg, as well as Mexico. Later in life she got great pleasure driving her convertible Mercedes.

Alma loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. In the 1950s, due to a fortuitous encounter with a fellow singer in the Robert Shaw Choral and her abilities in math and physics, she had the opportunity to start working as an engineer’s assistant at the Visibility Laboratory on Point Loma. This allowed her to support her family as a single mother of 9. At the Vis Lab Alma worked her way up and had a successful career as a pioneering computer scientist. While working full time she went back to school and earned a Master’s Degree in computer science. She later worked as a manager at Computer Science Corporation. She was known as someone who everyone trusted and who could always see both sides of any issue. Alma had a love of language, was active in Toastmasters and her college sorority, and loved a good pun! For many years and until her passing, she put her leadership qualities to use as a board member and officer at the two homeowner’s associations where she owned property.

Alma was a devout Catholic who went to Mass daily. Her relationship with God was deep and trusting and she prayed the rosary daily. She showed kindness to all and was dedicated to her family. Alma kept a positive and loving attitude throughout her life, and her character of never being negative about anyone was an example for all.

Alma’s funeral Mass will be held at the Immaculata Catholic Church on Tuesday February 8th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a burial service at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.goodbodymortuary.com for the Church family.