Alba L. Raschke

Alba L. Raschke, born, October 9, 1925 in Philadelphia, PA, died August 31, 2021 at her home, in Estero FL. Her daughter, Leslie, was at her side as she passed. Alba was just shy of her 96th birthday. Alba passed from simple old age, and most importantly, with the compassionate care of Leslie, and Leslie’s husband Ronan. Alba’s final decade was filled with fun and laughter and adventure thanks to Leslie and Ronan. When the years finally exacted the toll of diminished capacity Alba was well cared for and passed quietly, peacefully in her own bed in her own home.

Alba was predeceased by her first child, Carl, her parents, William and Aurora, her loving husband of 61 years, Erwin, her fifth child Steven and other loving and loved relatives too numerous to list. She is survived by 5 children, Andrea, Robert, Leslie, Paul, and Elizabeth. Grandchildren are 8 and great Grandchildren are 5. Nephews, nieces and cousins are too many to list.

A life this long has so many milestones and achievements. So I think an early anecdote to characterize her is fitting. Alba was a high school student through most of WWII. Like many bright young women she was accelerated to graduation so she could join the workforce and the war effort. She and a group of

young women from Frankford High School in Philadelphia, many who remained life long friends of Alba, were hired at the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia. Working at the Arsenal in a professional role was a tall, handsome, slender, very single but very aloof man, about 4 years older then this group of young women. Erwin Raschke paid little to no attention to these women, and that, of course, presented a challenge. One, Alba DiSilverio, announced to the crew that she was going to get a date with this man, and she did. And so the saga of the Raschke family began.

Alba (the writer’s mother) had a way of getting what she wanted and what she wanted for those around her as well. Our sadness is immense, but it was time, and she lives in our memories forever.

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