Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Alice Teresa Swiderski, known lovingly as Alice, passed from this life on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Newark, Delaware, at the age of 67, due to complications from lung cancer. Born on June 6, 1959, in Wilmington, Delaware, she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, strength, and a warm spirit that touched everyone blessed to know her. She was a Catholic woman who carried herself with grace and purpose, and she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to speak long after her earthly journey has ended.
Alice was the beloved wife of Matthew Swiderski Sr., affectionately known as “Luv Bug,” and together they shared a life built on commitment, companionship, and enduring love. She was a devoted mother to Nicole Carita “babygirl Barlow” (and Will), Ryan Rios (and Pedro), Cheryl Pytko, Matt Swiderski (and Nicole). She was also a treasured sister to Marie Gray. Her family was the center of her world, and she poured into them steady encouragement, honest wisdom, and a heart that always made room for one more. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ann Sauers, and her father, Fred Sauers, whom she held close in memory throughout her life. Alice was a proud and loving grandmother and great-grandmother whose joy multiplied with each generation. She was known with affection as Grammy and GiGi, titles she wore with delight and deep gratitude. Her grandchildren, including Alyssa McAllister, “Lyssy,”(and Drew) Stephanie McAllister, “Lil Bit,” AJ Carita, Makayla Rios, Henry Steinbrecher, Makenzie Steinbrecher, Alexis Baumgartner, Isabella Swiderski, Matthew Swiderski III, Hazel Swiderski, and great grandchildren, Riley Noll, and Millie Noll, brought light to her days and laughter to her home. She cherished every hug, every visit, every story, and every moment spent watching her family grow. Her love reached across generations, and her presence will forever remain a treasured part of their lives.
A graduate of Mount Pleasant High School in 1978 and Goldey-Beacom College in 1984, Alice believed in hard work, discipline, and the value of learning. She built a remarkable career as a legal secretary for 40 years, serving with diligence, professionalism, and reliability. Her work ethic reflected the kind of woman she was in every area of life. She was thoughtful in her words, wise in her counsel, and spirited in her approach to life. Those who worked with her knew they could depend on her, and those who loved her knew they could count on her steady heart and clear mind.
Alice lived with a generous and compassionate spirit. She loved music, dancing, swimming in her pool, and throwing parties for her family, creating memories that will be remembered with smiles for years to come. She especially loved spending time playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and those simple, joyful moments became some of the most precious gifts she gave to her family. She also loved walking with her husband and their red nose pit, Frankie, finding peace in the companionship, movement, and quiet beauty of everyday life. Her heart was always open to others, and she was known for helping charitable causes, giving to the homeless, and sharing what she had with those in need. Her life was a living testimony that faith is not only spoken, but shown through kindness, service, and love. In every season of life, Alice demonstrated a strength that was both gentle and powerful. She was spirited without being harsh, thoughtful without being distant, and wise without ever making others feel small. Her presence lifted rooms, her words brought comfort, and her example inspired those around her to live with more gratitude, more courage, and more compassion. She was the kind of woman who reminded others that joy is a choice, faith is a foundation, and love is the greatest legacy anyone can leave behind.
Her life reflects the truth of Scripture and the hope of eternity. Though she has left this earthly home, her faith assures us that death is not the end for those who belong to Christ. Her journey now rests in the hands of the God she served, and the love she gave continues to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. In times of grief, her loved ones can hold fast to the promise that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and that His comfort is sure. Alice’s life was a witness to perseverance, grace, and the power of a heart surrendered to God’s goodness.
As Maya Angelou so beautifully said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Alice made people feel loved, seen, encouraged, and valued. That is her enduring gift. She will be remembered not only for the years she lived, but for the way she lived them, with faith, generosity, and a joyful determination to bless others.
Alice Swiderski will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her earthly race is complete, but her influence remains. May her memory continue to inspire those she leaves behind to live with kindness, to love without reserve, and to walk faithfully with God.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Thursday, August 13 from 11:00AM – 12:00PM. A Catholic funeral service will begin at 12:00PM, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Alice may be made to the Hogar Crea Center, 1126 Brandywine Street, Wilmington, DE 19802 (https://www.rehab.com).
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alice Teresa (Sauers) Swiderski, please visit our floral store.
Hogar Crea Center
1126 Brandywine Street, Wilmington DE 19802
Web: https://www.rehab.com