Alice L. Dunlop

Alice L. Dunlop, 78 CAPE ELIZABETH -- Alice L. Dunlop, 78, of Cape Elizabeth, died peacefully in her sleep Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough after a long battle with kidney and heart disease. Alice was born in Portland on May 22, 1930, to Hollis and Alice Pratt. She grew up in South Portland and spent much of her childhood on her maternal grandparent's farm (Dyke Farm) in what is now the Country Gardens area of South Portland. She married David Smith of Bangor on Jan. 11, 1948, with whom she raised three children. They remained married until his death in 1993. She married Robert Dunlop of Cape Elizabeth on Sept. 16, 1995. Alice and David had been friends with Robert and his wife when they were both young couples with small children. They frequently went rock hunting together as a group and attended the same church. They became reacquainted after the death of Robert's wife and Alice's husband. Alice had a full time career at the local drug store pharmacy counter spanning over four decades and four different proprietors. Consequently she knew EVERYBODY. It was truly difficult to go anywhere without running into someone she knew. That could be good or bad, if you were one of her children! Before the drugstore years, she worked for Bennett's Ice Cream parlor. The Bennett family is the founder of Oakhurst Dairy. She said she never tasted better ice cream in her life. Alice had an incredible work ethic and worked tirelessly to help support her family. When her husband David was unable to work due to an injury, she worked three jobs to support them with a new baby at home. Although she worked a lot; wife, mother and homemaker are the words that come to mind when describing her. Alice was a member of the Thornton Heights United Methodist Church in South Portland for approximately 50 years. When she became house bound, people from the church would visit and bring her communion once a month. She developed a wonderful friendship with her Cape Elizabeth neighbors Barbara and Mason Smith. This brought her great joy and comfort for many years as well as a helping hand whenever needed. She is survived by her daughter Nancy DiMauro and her husband Richard, her son Glenn Smith and his companion Celia Buzzell, and her daughter Wendy Smith and her companion Lee Bergstrom; a sister Elaine Thompson; her grandchildren, Robin Ray and her husband Mark, Kim White, Tammy Locke and her husband Troy, Dawn O'Shea and her husband Christopher, Gina Kline and her husband William, Nicole DiMauro, Megan DiMauro and Tia DiMauro; and 12 great-grandchildren, the most recent being a five month old baby girl that she was able to see and hold on a couple of occasions. She also leaves behind two cats that were dear to her heart and gave her much company in the last few years. There will be no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Thornton Heights Methodist Church in South Portland. Arrangements made by Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. The family would like to especially thank the doctors and staff of Maine Medical Center, 5th floor, the entire staff of Gosnell House and the pastor and members of Thornton Heights United Methodist Church for their caring support and compassion. Alice L. Dunlop