VOORHEESVILLE — After a long battle with breast cancer, Alice W. Corkrey, a passionate nurse and mother, died on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. She was 90.

“Alice was fortunate,” her family wrote in a tribute, “to have such wonderful hospice caregivers along with the devoted care of her two beloved grand-daughters,” Allison Warnken, of East Berne, and Erin Nickel, of Voorheesville.

Mrs. Corkrey, the daughter of Mary (née Michalski) Gundlach and Emil Gundlach Sr., and wife of the late Raymond F. Corkrey, was born and raised on Alexander Street in Albany, fondly referred to as “The South End,” her family wrote.

She graduated from St. Ann’s School and continued her education at Samaritan School of Nursing where she graduated as a registered nurse in 1946. During her education, she proudly served in the Cadet Nursing Corp.

After marrying her childhood sweetheart, Ray, she moved to Colonie. She worked as a nurse at the Brady Maternity Hospital in Albany until it closed and became Saint Peter’s Maternity Ward.

During her many years of employment there, she was a dedicated nursing supervisor in labor and delivery, and then became the head nurse on the post-partum unit, “where she lovingly welcomed many of her 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren,” the family wrote.

“Alice was proud but also very passionate about her nursing profession, and enjoyed sharing her memories during her nursing career,” the family continued.

Mrs. Corkrey was well-known and respected by many of her medical and professional colleagues.

“Her nursing heart extended beyond the hospital walls as she opened her home to all those in need,” the family wrote.

She moved to Voorheesville to enjoy retirement, and became involved in Saint Matthew’s Church as a dedicated parishioner.

Mrs. Corkrey’s family described her as a very talented artist through painting, rug-hooking, and music.

“Alice was a strong mentor to ‘her girls,’ which was evident as they all followed her by becoming nurses themselves,” the family’s tribute said.

Mrs. Corkrey was also very involved in the community, and volunteered her time at church, the LaSalle School for Boys, and as a Girl Scout leader. A two-time Blue Star Mother, “she was always proud of her military boys,” the family wrote.

She was a devoted, loyal, and loving mother who enjoyed having all of her children and grandchildren together. She was also an avid supporter of the Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, and enjoyed the many CBA school musicals and social events with her brother, Alfred, known as Brother Casimir.

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Alice W. Corkrey is survived by her five children, Patrick R. Corkrey, of Nassau, Geraldine Anne Lawrence, of North Carolina, Marianne Rother, of Schenectady, Daniel J. Cockrey of Colonie and, Denise Leber of Voorheesville; her siblings, Regina (neé Gundlach) Cozzy, and Alfred Gundlach.

Her brother, Emil Gundlach Jr., died before her.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Oct. 14 at Saint Matthew’s Church in Voorheesville. Arrangements were by the New Comer Canon Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Animals or the American Breast Cancer Society.