Alice P. Kraska

How do you briefly sum up the life of someone who meant so much to so many? Whether you called her Alice, Mom, Mémère, Auntie, or Sis, her bright light will resonate within you forever.

Alice Pauline (St. Amour) Kraska, 93, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, February 12, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Walter “Wally” Kraska, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage.

Born March 18, 1932 to Ulric “Pete” and Florida “Flora” (Moreau) St. Amour, Alice was a life-long resident of Swansea and Fall River; her roots ran deep in the local community, though she also loved to travel near and far. By car, bus, cruise ship, or plane, Alice took pleasure in spreading her enthusiastic joy and making everyone laugh. No matter who you were, she wanted to talk to you.

Closer to home, her heart belonged to the shoreline, especially Westport Harbor and Horseneck Beach. Her family cherishes countless memories of days spent at the beach, where Alice was happiest with her toes in the sand. She was a spirited presence on her long walks along the water’s edge, often striking up a conversation or sharing a laugh with anyone along the way.

Alice loved to socialize and sought out many ways to enjoy the company of others, whether she was yelling “Bingo!” at the parlor, going for the spare at Duckpin Bowling, or following suit in a fun game of Pitch.

All the kids loved Alice during her 22 years cooking and serving lunches to the elementary school students at Bark Street and Brown Schools. She was proud of her fundraising work with the Columbiettes, and was a lector and eucharistic minister at the former Our Lady of Fatima Church in Swansea; now St. Francis of Assisi Church. A graduate of the B.M.C. Durfee High School Class of 1950, Alice remained an active member of the reunion committee throughout her life, ensuring that the bonds formed in her youth remained strong for over seven decades.

Her green thumb was prolific and she could often be found on hands and knees tending to her beautiful garden surrounded by her brightly-colored impatiens, fragrant mint plants, and bold red cherry tomatoes. Indoors, she enjoyed humming (or belting out) a tune from the radio while serving recipes from her French heritage as well as those handed down from the Kraska Polish traditions.

In all she did, Alice exuded welcoming generosity, and did it with a radiant smile. Family was everything to her, and she would never miss a chance to celebrate a holiday or event with those she held dearest. With a zest for life and a magnetic presence that drew you in, she could brighten your day with a simple conversation, and her warm hugs could turn a bad day around. A selfless friend to so many, she was always the first to show up to help a friend in need. Alice leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and joy to all who were fortunate to know her.

She is survived by her three children, her pride and joy: Kevin Kraska of Boston, MA; Karen Carbone and her husband Michael of Randolph, NJ; and Kyle Kraska and his wife Samineh Esfahani of Santa Monica, CA. Alice was the treasured grandmother of five grandchildren who were the light of her life: Nicholas Carbone and his wife Natalie Gontcharova of Alexandria, VA; Allison Freer and her husband Andy of Escondido, CA; Caroline Kraska and her fiancée Jackie Kalter of Brooklyn, NY; Sarah Kearns and her husband Jack of Alexandria, VA; and Brian Kraska of New York, NY; and she held a special place in her heart for her one great-grandson, Julian Carbone. Her memory will also be cherished by her daughter-in-law, Linda Kraska of Madison, NJ, along with a large, loving circle of nieces and nephews.

Her family extends an abundance of gratitude to Melina, her compassionate caregiver for the past seven years, a true guardian angel who offered unwavering support and tender care, which allowed Alice to enjoy the comforts of her home where she built her life. They also thank the numerous friends, neighbors, and community members who took the time to visit, talk and engage with Alice to keep her connected to their lives.

Alice is now reunited with her husband, parents, and eight siblings; Beatrice Berube, Isabel “Issy” Ciafardini, Florence “Flossy” Labecki, Edmund “Eddie”, Albert “Gus”, Norman “Biggy”, Frederick “Dick”, and Robert “Bob” St. Amour.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 21, at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardner's Neck Road, Swansea. A visitation will be held in the church before the Mass, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Swansea.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Alice’s memory to Southcoast Visiting Nurses Association at southcoast.org/giving.