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Alison Ellen Smith Mortimer

FUNERAL HOME

Spear-Miller Funeral Home

39 South Benson Road

Fairfield, Connecticut

Alison Mortimer Obituary

MORTIMER Alison Ellen Smith Mortimer, age 53, of Fairfield, beloved wife of James E. Mortimer Sr., died on Sunday, August 28, 2005, after a courageous seven year battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side. Born in Bridgeport, to Ambrose E. Smith and Winifred Dunleavy Smith, she was a lifelong Fairfield resident. Alison was known and loved by many for her cheerful smile, her quick wit, sense of humor and her compassion for others. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. A graduate of Butler Business School, Alison worked most recently for the Connecticut Post. She was a former realtor, working for William Raveis, Coldwell Banker and the Laufer Agency. She also worked for the Town of Fairfield as a part time secretary in the Health Department and in Community Development. Alison was a former E.M.T., volunteering many hours with the American Red Cross as a shelter manager and as a captain and an instructor for the Disaster Services Team. She was also a breeder of tropical birds and the owner of Tropicals by A and J. Alison had a passion for gardening, spending her spare time tending her orchids, perennials, wildflowers and herbs. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, James E. Mortimer Jr. of Fairfield, Jamie M. Wadelton of Bridgeport and Shawn M. Wadelton of Monroe; three daughters, Alison E. Mortimer of Fairfield, Norah M. Willis of Copenhagen, N.Y. and Meridith G. Glossman of Orange; a brother, Edwin A. Smith of Fairfield; two sisters, Norine Smith of Forest Knolls, California and Laura French of Fairfield; five grandchildren; three aunts; five nieces; three nephews; and her best friend, Audrey Hillsgrove. The family would also like to express sincere gratitude to Judy Conroy, R.N., who was so helpful with her hospice care. In accordance with Alison's wishes, services will be private. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alison's memory to the American Red Cross, 158 Brooklawn Avenue, Bridgeport, CT, 06604-2012. The Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield, is in charge of arrangements. To offer an on-line condolence visit www.spearmillerfuneralhome. com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Connecticut Post on Aug. 31, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Alison Mortimer

Sponsored by The Mortimer Family.

26 Entries

Ellen (Dunn) Davies

September 21, 2005

Dear Jim,Norine,Ed,Laura& families,

Those we Love remain with us,for Love itself lives on.

Cherished memories never fade,

because one loved is gone.

Those we Love can never be,

more than a thought apart,

for as long as there's a memory,

they live on in our heart.

Alison will always hold a special place in our hearts.

My sincerest sympathy to you.

Ellen(Dunn)Davies

Jim Mortimer

September 14, 2005

I just wanted to thank everyone for your kindness and thoughtfulness in writing in the guest book. I decided to leave it online with the hope that some other friends or relatives might have some fond memory of Alison. I'd like to have something to show our grandchildren who may not be able to remember her. If you know anyone who might want to add something, please let them know, and please feel free to add anything yourself, anytime. I know some people may not even know she's gone yet, and some may be uncomfortable writing now, for whatever reason. Anyhow, I'm leaving this site up permanently, so anyone can make a comment anytime. I'm going to try to get some pictures on here sometime in the future as well.

With love and appreciation,

Jim

Chris Ruas

September 8, 2005

Dear Jim & Family, Tom and I were shocked to hear of your loss. We will always remember the days of the Red Cross Disaster Team and tag sales, mock drills the good times we all spent together her. Alison was a good friend to us and we will miss her dearly. Our prayers go out to you and your children.

Sincerely,

Chris (Grandfield)Ruas & Tom Ruas

(former Disaster Team members)

Joni Fogle

September 5, 2005

Jim and family: Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your precious Alison. I remember her fondly from working with her in Scouts, and she always provided endless laughs and fun for us all. May she now be resting in peace in the arms of an angel.

Ron and Joni (Morawski) Fogle

Bill & Cindy (Cummings) David

September 5, 2005

Jim and Family,

We are shocked and saddened to hear about Alison. Our hearts go out to you. Although we haven't seen you both in several years, we remember how compassionate, caring and loving Alison was. She was the type of person you were proud to call your friend. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for you and she had the most wonderful sense of humor. May God bless and comfort you until someday, you meet again.

Warmly,

Thinking Of You

September 4, 2005

Do not think of me and weep,

I am with you, I do not sleep,

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the lighthouse beacon bright,

I am the sky’s clouds soft and white,

I am the fields of ripening grain,

I am the gentle showers of rain,

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush,

Of graceful birds in circled flight,

I am the stars that shine at night,

I am the lovely flowers that bloom,

I am with you in a quiet room,

I am the sunlit garden of Spring,

I am IN each beautiful thing,

Remember this for you shall see;

I am still here, but now I’m free.

Margaret Moseley

September 4, 2005

The Moseley Family sends their condolences for Alison. We love you, Alison. Our prayers are with the family.

Lisa Monteleone

September 4, 2005

I am so grateful that I got to know Alison over the past year and a half. I enjoyed my brief time with you so much Alison. Thank you for befriending me and making me feel welcome. Love, Lisa

Dorothy Bratchell

September 3, 2005

Dear Shawn and family,

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. Please know that our thoughts and condolences go out to you and your family during this very sad time.

Warmest regards,

Dorothy and Joe Bratchell

Holly Ortoleva

September 3, 2005

Alison's love, understanding and compassion are what I will always remember. I would like to share a treasured memory of my aunt Alison. 16 years ago, when my beloved Nana Mortimer was in the final stages of her own battle with cancer, I went to Riverside Drive to hold her hand and say good-bye. Coming down the staircase afterward, I burst into tears in front of Alison. Alison took me in her arms as I tearfully said, "I couldn't even say 'I love you'!" And it was Alison who held me close and whispered, "Oh, Holly, she knows, she knows..."

It is a perfect example of Alison's true and helpful heart, giving me the words and support I needed to hear at that time. I know that everyone has a memory like that of Alison, and I hope that you can hold those memories close to you in this difficult time. Alison's legacy will be with us forever, and she will be smiling always, for her body, mind, and heart are forever at peace.

With much love,

Holly, Peter, Jenna and Mason

Pat & Gerry Beckwith

September 3, 2005

Dear Jim & Family:

Words cannot fill the void at such a difficult time. But hang on to the good memories of Alison's life, family and friends. God will provide the strength for you and your family.

norine smith

September 3, 2005

A- ADMIRATION: Alison was my older sister. We walked to school together, we were in the school band together, we both played the horns, marched in the parade, played at the beach and played in the woods.

L- LIFE: Life was what Alison really loved. Love was what Alison had abundance of. She loved her husband, her children, her grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. They meant everything to her. Alison had a difficult childhood, and rised above all odds and difficulties. She loved light houses. She was the light in everyones eyes. Like the beacon from the light house she shines above us all, showing us the way. If you knew Alison you knew she cared for all the children, their friends, their pets, their problems. She listened. She always found a way to make things better for everyone. Finding the chemicals at the dump, wanting to make sure everyone in Fairfield was safe. She cared. Captain of the Red Cross, she took every class, took in everyone elses children. She cared for them and loved them like their own. Even in her horrible sickness, she took in her grandchildren and knew where they were, and what they were doing.

I- INSTINCT: She knew when i was sad, and needed a friend. An ear to listen, someone to talk to. I remember when she wanted to make me look beautiful. She cut my waist length hair in a Buster Brown cut, and said, "Now you are so beautiful, you look just like me."

S- SAFE: We all felt safe and secure with her. Mom, friend, wife.

O- ONE: One big family. A loving husband, five children, five grandchildren. Many friends and relatives. She could make you feel you were her best friend, and her only friend.

N- NOW: Now if we all go to our homes and plant a seed or flower, or tree, and nurture it, watch it grow. Think of Alison. The beautiful garden she planted. Her family, her friends, her flowers, her birds, she loved them all. The Beacon, the light in our hearts, she will be shining above us all. Look for the beauty in the world and you will find her. My sister, Alison.

peace in your hearts Norine

Jan Murray

September 2, 2005

Jim and family: My heartfelt condolences are with you and your family.

Lorella and Michael Giannone

September 1, 2005

Dear Jim, Norah and Family: Your loss is shared by many whose hearts are heavy in knowing your lives have been touched by such great sorrow. May your memories be a precious source of peace, strength and comfort. Remember the hearts that were warmed, the smiles shared and the lives that were touched. You are all in our thoughts and in our prayers. God bless her.

Helm Family

September 1, 2005

On behalf of the Helm family, I wanted to send our regards to Jimmy and the family. I recently drove by our old home and saw Alison outside your home weeding her garden and I stopped to talk to her. I am so glad I did. I have wonderful memories of growing up on Riverside and your family is so very much part of those wonderful memories. Please know that we are all praying for you. May you feel God's loving arms around you at this time. In Christ, Pam Helm

dodie gleacher

September 1, 2005

Dear Jim and children,

Words are so inadequate at a time like this. We will always remember Alison with love.

Sis and Don

Sarah Daleb

August 31, 2005

Norah, im so sorry for ur losss.....i will always be here for you! i love you girl! i wish i had some fantastic words to lift you up, but i know how it feels when something like that happens, and there is nothing that helps but i love you and ill always be here!!! <3

Susan Brashear

August 31, 2005

We are so sorry for your loss. I know Alison will be greatly missed.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Jim and his family at this time.

Kathy Morehouse

August 31, 2005

Norah, Alison, Mr. Mortimer & family. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. I knew Alison and your family through my daughter Sara, and through school. She was a wonderful, loving and kind individual, who always put others first. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

We are so sorry for your loss,

Kathy and Sara Morehouse

Gigi-Marcella Benton

August 31, 2005

Donna, my sincerest condolences and continued prayer for strength and peace at this difficult time is extended to your family and friends.

Sally Stanley

August 31, 2005

Jim and family

So very sorry to hear about Alison.

We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Love Sally

William & Marlee McFadden

August 31, 2005

Our sencere condolences to Alisons family on their loss. She will be in our prayers.

God Bless Her

Marlee and Bill McFadden

Donna McCormack

August 31, 2005

Sincerest condolances to my Uncle Jim and his family.

Alison was a wonderful loving person, I know she will be missed by all who knew her.

My God be with you during this difficult time.

Audrey Hillsgrove

August 31, 2005

To my best friend in the world.

Kathleen O'Connell

August 31, 2005

Jim, & family,

We are so sorry for your loss... We knew Alison through Audrey & Russell... she was a good woman, a very compassionate lady. I know there will be a huge void in all your lives, one that will be hard to fill. You, your family, and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

The O'Connell's & McKernan's

The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home

August 31, 2005

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.

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