Alphonsine Mary Schmelke

Alphie graduated from New Britain High School and the Meriden Hospital School of Nursing. All through high school Alphie took dance lessons, ballet and tap. She became quite good and was brought in to teach classes by the owner of a local dance studio. She continued her love of dancing throughout her life. Alphie worked as an R.N. for over 30 years. She also worked as a professional seamstress for several years, first sewing spinnakers at Sobstad Sail loft where she worked on sails for the 12 meter racing yacht Stars and Stripes, the U.S.'s entry in the America's Cup race and then at Hummingbird Sails where she sewed wing covers for ultralight aircraft. After moving to North Port Alphie began volunteering at Venice Theater where she worked as a scenery painter, back stage crew person and seamstress in the costume shop. Her hobbies include playing Mah-jongg with her lady friends, reading, traveling, sewing and doing crosswords. Alphie was predeceased by her father; Joseph T. Bianca and her mother Lillian Bianca. Alphie is survived by her husband Richard of North Port Florida, a daughter and son in-law Laura K and Ernie Unrein of Auburndale Florida, a granddaughter Amanda N. Schmelke of North Port Florida, a great grandson William J. Schmelke of Auburndale Florida, a great granddaughter Breanna N. Hudson of North Port Florida, a sister Elizabeth B. Breedlove of Charlotte North Carolina, a brother and sister in-law Joseph D. and Mary Irene Bianca of Southampton Massachusetts, nephews James McClain of Olive Branch MS and Joseph C. Bianca of Southampton MA, nieces Christina L. Bianca of Agawam MA, Kate McClain of Charlotte NC and Anne M. Cristofori of Westfield MA, mother-in-law Clara M. Scheidecker of Port charlotte FL, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Paul and Tina Schmelke of Clearwater FL, sister-in-law Annette Scheidecker, and nephews Matthew and Christopher Scheidecker of Longmeadow MA; several great nieces and nephews and many friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, November 7 at Farley Funeral Home, North Port Chapel. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Tidewell Hospice in Alphie's name/honor.