Alice Marzluff

Alice Peck Gilman Marzluff

Rockledge, FL

Alice Marzluff passed away on February 18, 2015 after a long illness. She was born on March 3, 1925, the daughter E. Harry and Helen Gurney Gilman, and grew up in Rochester, New York.  After graduating from Monroe High School, she entered Smith College in 1941 where she was a Chemistry major and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.  She married William Frank Marzluff, whom she had known since high school, on June 29, 1944, just before he entered the navy.  She graduated from the University of Rochester in June, 1946 with an A.B. with highest distinction.

After World War II, they settled in Stamford, CT where she raised her family. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Stamford and taught math and science at the Alternative High School.  They were active in boating on Long Island Sound, and in 1973 purchased their first sailboat.  In 1978 they purchased the Kestrel, a 31 ft sailboat, which became their home for next decade.  They sailed every year from New England to Florida and spent about 6 months a year in the Abacos, where they made Hopetown their home port.  In 1988, they purchased a home in Rockledge FL, but continued spending several months a year in the Bahamas, and sailing to New England.  Since 1994 they have lived year round in Rockledge, FL.

During her years in Rockledge Alice was very active in volunteer work in a number of areas.  She worked with the Friends of the Central Brevard Library, and headed the library book sale for several years, helping to raise over $250,000 for the library in more than 15 years.  For her service to the library she was named Outstanding Library Advocate in 2000 in Brevard County.  She worked with the Friends of Taylor Park in planting the gardens and raising funds for the memorial bricks in Taylor Park.  For her work with the Friends of Taylor Park she was recognized as Rockledge Volunteer of the year in 2002. Together with Bill, Alice delivered Meals on Wheels for more than 15 years.  For her broad range of volunteer work, she received the Jefferson Award for County volunteers who have exemplified outstanding public service in 2006 from Brevard County.  She was also very active in the Rockledge Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her husband of 70 years and three children, William Marzluff Jr., born May 7, 1945, of Hillsborough, NC; Donald Marzluff, born July 27, 1948 of Atlanta, GA and Martha Marzluff, born Jan. 31, 1955, of Rockledge, FL; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3PM. on Sunday Feb. 22, 2015 at Rockledge Presbyterian Church on 921 Rockledge Dr., Rockledge with a reception at the church to follow.  Donations can be made to the Rockledge Presbyterian Church Organ Fund or to the Friends of the Central Brevard Library.