Adeline "Alice" Agnes Perna Corby Merlini, beloved wife, mother, sister, and aunt to many generations of nieces and nephews, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023 at Jenner's Pond in West Grove, Pennsylvania. She was born on January 23, 1921, in Wilmington DE, to the late Michael R. Perna and the late Assunta De Geuglio. She graduated from Darby High School in 1939. She was married to Edward T. Corby from 1941 until his death in 1965. They had two children, Rose Agnes, who was born in 1942 and died at age twenty-nine, and Edward "Little Eddie," Jr. who was born in 1945, and died at age 19, both from congenital illnesses. In 1967, Alice married Ralph A. Merlini, became stepmother to William and Ralph Jr., and shared 46 years of marriage before Ralph senior's death in 2013. Alice is pre-deceased by siblings: Florence, Rose, Frank, Joseph and "Little Joey." The Corby's had involved their children in as many activities as their health would allow, such as swimming in the backyard pool, where Alice also taught many youngsters how to swim and dive. She became den mother for Little Eddie's Boy Scout troop and set up a small 'store' in their home where he was the proprietor. She was very athletic, playing tennis and golf throughout most of her life, and was also an avid card player and active in many church and civic activities. Lovingly referred to as "Aunt Alice" by many, she had a green thumb and a home full of vibrant greenery. During holiday celebrations, all gathered around her in song as she played the piano. One could not visit her home without having a home-cooked Italian meal or sweets made by "Aunt Alice" and niece, Agnes Kennedy. Mrs. Merlini is remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, inner and outer beauty, and perpetual smile. She is survived by her stepson Ralph Jr. and members of the Perna, Corby and Merlini families. The family would like to thank all the members of the Jenners Pond Assisted Living care team where Alice lived the last seven years of her life. A viewing will be from 5:00PM until 7:00PM on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at the LONGWOOD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION of MATTHEW GENEREUX, 913 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square. A morning viewing will be from 9:30A until 11:00AM with a Funeral Mass at 11:00AM on Monday, October 2, 2023 at ASSUMPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 300 State Road, West Grove. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass in St. Patrick Cemetery, Kennett Square. Memorial Donations can be made to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. www.longwoodfuneralhome.com

Published by The Daily Local from Sep. 25 to Oct. 5, 2023.