In Memory: March 11

Alice Elaine Wood Gaskill, 72, Vero Beach

Alice Elaine Wood Gaskill, a woman who in 2004 was given the day of Oct. 1 as Alice Gaskill Day by the City of Vero Beach, died, at the young age of 72, on March 9, 2020, at her home in Vero Beach.

Alice was the oldest girl of eight siblings and learned early that folks just need a little “mothering” to get through life. From her family, to the community, she brought a zest for life that she inherited from her parents that included magic tricks, practical jokes, and lots of laughter.

Transplanted from Chicago at the age of 5, Alice adopted the South with vim and vigor. She was to grow into the type of Southern Lady that brightens every corner of every room and every heart. She was that gentle woman, always smiling, with a kind word and twinkle in her eye for all who crossed her path.

Alice was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses- “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Alice graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1965. She married the first love of her life, Robert S. Gaskill, on June 4, 1966, and welcomed the second love of her life, her son, Michael, in 1979.

Alice worked in banking and was a founding member of the Indian River National Bank until her retirement in 2010. She spent much of her life being an active member of the Vero Beach community.

Over the years, Alice played a role in many things that have made a difference in our little piece of paradise: lifetime member of the Exchange Club of the Treasure Coast, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Board Secretary for the Healthy Start Coalition and Campaign Coordinator for the United Way.

Although no longer Dancing with Vero Stars, she will be dancing among the stars with one of her signature brooches, her bright red lipstick and the biggest smile.

Like a true lady, Alice Gaskill was a women who gave. Gave often. Gave a lot. Gave to her family and all of her neighbors.

Alice is survived by her husband Robert S. Gaskill; her son, Michael (Maria Resto), and their 2-year-old son and Alice’s grandson, Leon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis Maxwell Wood and Margaret Elaine Cooksey Wood.

She is also survived by all her brothers, Tom (Pearle), Harold (Sharon), David, and Joe; sisters, Kathy (Don), Sharon (Joe) and Laura; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service and gathering in memory of Alice will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 1-3 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home-Vero Beach.

Please do not send donations or flowers.

If you truly wish to honor the life of Alice Gaskill, give of your time. Give time to community projects, family, friends or neighbor in need.

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