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Alice Elizabeth (Matzko) Smith, 76, of Deep River passed away Aug. 8 at Chesterfields Health Care Center in Chester. She was the youngest of five siblings born to John and Dorothy Matzko of Springfield, Massachusetts.

She graduated from the New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing in 1961, and went on to have a 38-year career in nursing at New Britain General Hospital. She was a devoted surgical E.R. and O.R. nurse and friend to all her coworkers.

She is survived by her husband Bradley J. Smith and their daughter Katherine Smith, both of Deep River. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers John Matzko, Robert Matzko, and Ernie Matzko, and her sister and best friend, Barbara Sikora.

Alice was the love, light, and laughter for so many dear to her. She was an animal lover and made donations to many causes to support children with illnesses, animals, and veterans.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 20 at Robinson, Wright, and Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St. in Centerbrook. A Nightingale Tribute in Alice’s memory will be presented at 3:45 p.m. There will be a bereavement reception following the visitation. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Alice’s name to The Pandemonium Rainforest Project, 500 Main St., Ste. 4, Deep River, CT 06417, www.pandemoniumrainforestproject.org; or The Alice Smith Memorial Fund, c/o Essex Savings Bank, 35 Plains Rd., P.O. Box 950, Essex, CT 06426, which will benefit the caregivers who loved and cared for her over the last six years. To share a memory of Alice or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.