Alice Christine Leicht

July 26, 1932 - January 11, 2021

SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA — Alice Christine Leicht, our mom was born on July 26th 1932, in Buffalo NY, 3rd of 4 girls in the Leicht Family. Mom attended Mt. Mercy Academy and Canisius College in Buffalo NY After graduating college and marrying Lt Cmdr Joesph Gimbrone, they moved to San Diego in 1960, Mom began using her teaching degree worked as a substitute teacher at schools all over San Diego.

Mom took up tennis in a BIG way and was a fixture at Morley Field as well as the San Carlos Club. At the same time, Mom earned her Master’s Degree in Education at SDSU and then settled into teaching foreignborn adults citizenship classes. She also taught ESL classes and Readers Theater. Mom served as the President of the local Chapter of the California Teachers Union.

Mom’s greatest loves were the San Diego Opera, The San Diego Symphony and the

San Diego Bridge Club. Mom coordinated and ran the National Bridge Tournament at the Town and Country Hotel for 10 years. Bridge was an all-consuming factor in Mom’s life from the early 60’s to the end. Bridge was Life itself accompanied by Jordan Almonds, Salted Mixed Nuts, Chex Mix, Bridge Mix Chocolates and Mixed Cocktails! Life was good!

In the early 1970’s Mom became a distance runner winning many races, 5K 10K and ½ Marathons. She trained for the Heptathlon matriculating to the Senior Olympics. She represented the

US in International Competitions and was a gold medalist many times over. Later Yoga and power walking with BFF Bob R. was added to her list. At age 80 Mom was diagnosed with Lewy Bodies Disease. Mom’s slow decline transformed her into Alice in Wonderland. She was lovingly cared for by Jorge Parafan. Jorge saw her through 3 forays in Hospice Care. In December of 2020, Mom was diagnosed with COVID. She went to the COVID Unit, survived and return to Hospice! Three weeks later Lewy Bodies won. Jorge and daughter Karen Leicht were keeping Mom company the day she decided to leave. Karen was reading to her and holding her hand when she left this world.

We want to thank Miami Jewish Medical Center and Seasons Hospice. They are truly amazing, caring and compassionate people and organizations. The people who work here are Angels from Heaven and what they do is beyond what we could have ever wished for.

Alice is deeply missed by daughters Elaine (Michael) & Karen Leicht, Grandchildren Rex (Katie), Maria (Tyler), Quinten and Liam (Nina) and Great Grandson Cooper.

She is deeply missed by her loving best friend, Jorge Perafan as well as her cats Bonbon and Lou, hers sister Florence, many nieces, nephews, and Best Friends who all remember her as the Life of Every Party, Smart as a Whip and Easy to Talk to. She always had a joke to tell!

Have fun with your New Wings MOM !!!!

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