We lovingly remember Alma, who passed away at the age of 90 years, surrounded by the family she deeply cherished. Everyone who knew Alma saw a woman with fashionable taste and a zest for life, often sharing her fun-loving sense of humor. Most importantly, they also saw how much she loved her people. It was that fervent love that paved the way for her life. Her favorite times were being surrounded by her family or having adventures with her closest friends. No matter who they were, everyone in Alma's circle had a special connection with her.

Alma was the 4th child of her beloved parents, Sam and Liah (Rassey) Zerka, born on December 2nd, 1933, in Flint, Michigan. She grew up with her siblings in a Lebanese community in Flint as a proud first-generation daughter of parents who emigrated from Lebanon. This unique heritage
was a cornerstone of her identity.

She met the love of her life, Ronald Albert, at a Lebanese dance party and married in 1967. Together they raised four children they adored and built a lifetime of memories with, such as summers spent in Northern Michigan. There were also often family gatherings filled with Lebanese cuisine, which she taught her kids, and endless love and laughter. Her children also have fond memories of a "cookie factory" in her kitchen with their dad sneaking off with up to five cookies in each hand to enjoy in the living room. Growing up meant responsibility and solicitude in Alma's home with her husband and children. That was a gift she provided each of them.

Alma's ability to seamlessly blend her American upbringing with the rich cultural traditions of her parents' homeland was a source of joy and fascination in our family. She often shared stories of her parents' journey to America and instilled in us a sense of resilience and appreciation for our diverse background. Her love for her heritage was evident. She ensured that the customs of her ancestors were lovingly passed down to the next generations, her grape leaves have always been a family staple and will continue to be. This kept the connection to her family's origins significant.

When her children began creating their own paths, Alma found time to volunteer with the E.W. Sparrow Hospital St. Lawrence Women's Auxiliary. Beyond volunteering, her generosity and warmth were felt in the personal moments she shared with her family and friends. Alma loved going dancing whether it be with her husband or dear friends. She even sometimes donned the name "Claire" on fun evenings out. Many nights were spent enjoying live music, dinner clubs, and going to movies while having a great time with those closest to her. With her larger-than-life personality, she embodied the belief that love is shown in countless ways and everyone felt that from her.

Alma often spent months traveling to visit her children out of state or with friends in Florida and Gulf Shores. Her passion for travel bridged connections to her family, spread across the country, and to the friends she valued so dearly.

Her absence will leave a void, but her spirit of independence and the deep love she had for her family and friends will forever be distinct through the love her children and future generations pass on. As we bid farewell to Alma, we celebrate her life – a journey rich with connections,
adventure, and a love that uniquely touched many.

Alma is preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Ronald Albert; her siblings, Louise Shaheen (Michael), John Zerka (Sylvia), Jim Zerka (Helen - living); her sister-in-law, Georgine Zerka; and her stepson, Ronnie Albert.

She is survived by: her children; Leah Lone (Robert), Christine Webb (Frank), Niki Abdou (Hasseb – deceased), James Albert (Ruby), and Anna Albert-Mixner; her grandchildren, Stephanie Mixner-Rivera (Josh), Tommy Albert, Jessica Walter (Timothy), Alexis Smith (Joseph), Andrea Webb (Samuel), Joseph D. Burdette, Taylor Willis-Albert, Lilly Albert, Ellie Albert, Sophie Albert, and Katie Albert; and her great grandchildren, Joshua Rivera, Marie Rivera, Calli Burdette, Bently Albert, Edison Walter, Henry Walter, and Olivia Rivera.

Arrangements for Mrs. Albert are as follows:

In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a donation to one of the following charities in Alma's memory.

The Alzheimer's Association or

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.