Alice Rena Schreiber

Alice Rena Schreiber, affectionately known as Allie to her loved ones, passed away from Alzheimer’s on May 10, 2024, in Greenville, South Carolina, she was 77. Born on March 23, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, Alice's journey through life was marked by her unwavering kindness and optimism, her passion for literature, and her devotion to her family.

The daughter of the late Theodore Stanley Jamkowski and Doris Marie Jamkowski, Alice grew up in a nurturing environment alongside her sisters, Carol Gallagher and Julie Montague. Her childhood was filled with cherished memories, particularly the summers spent in Canada in their cottage by Lake St. Clair, which remained close to her heart throughout her life.

Alice's love for books, which she inherited from her beloved father - who was a teacher and rare book collector - guided her academic pursuits, leading her to earn a Master's in Library Science from Wayne State University in Michigan. Her educational background laid the foundation for her lifelong love affair with literature, a passion she hoped to share as a school librarian. Her love for the arts was evident in her younger years when she dabbled in theater and performance.

In the 1970s, Alice's journey took her to San Diego, California, where she began a successful career as a realtor with Tierrasanta Realty. It was there that she met her beloved husband, Klaus "Nick" Schreiber, a dedicated U.S. Marine, originally from Germany. The couple married in 1976, embarking on an adventurous life together, filled with love and frequent relocations that are the hallmark of military life.

Alice embraced her role as a military wife with grace and resilience, always ready to make a new home and find new friends wherever duty called. In 1981, she welcomed her daughter, Erika Ashley Grace, into the world and discovered her natural talent for motherhood. Her family meant everything to her and she cherished every moment with her daughter.

Fluent in German, Alice loved the years spent stationed in Hamburg, Germany with Nick, fully immersing herself in the culture and language. Upon her husband's retirement from the Marine Corps in 1994, the family settled in Greenville, SC. There, Alice continued her professional life, working in retail before taking a logistics position with Z.F. Lemforder in Duncan, SC.

Ahead of her husband's passing in 2016, Alice retired to focus on her personal interests and role as grandmother. She became the epitome of a doting Nana first to her Goldendoodle Grandpup, Winnie, and then to her precious granddaughter, Fiona. Her positivity was infectious, and she found joy in just being with her girls, reading, and staying active.

Alice's interests were vast and varied. She was an avid reader, with a particular fondness for Shakespeare, mysteries, and British literature and television. A Clemson fan at heart, she enjoyed cheering on the Tigers, spending time at Sportsclub, going to the movies, shopping, and connecting with friends and family. A creature of habit, regular family trips to San Diego, Kiawah, and The Greenbrier were her favorite getaways. 

Those who knew Alice will remember her as a loving, friendly, and gentle soul. She had an infectious enthusiasm and a happy, talkative nature that drew people to her. She relished reminiscing about the past; she was so proud of all those she loved and was always eager to share stories of their accomplishments. 

Alice leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her daughter, Erika Ashley Grace, and son-in-law, Joseph Page Grace Jr.; her son, Mark Lee Trombley; her sisters, Carol Gallagher and Julie Montague; her nephew, Edward T. Gallagher; her niece, Kelly A. Walker; her nephew, James P. Montague; and her treasured granddaughter, Fiona Sawyer Grace.

Alice Rena Schreiber's life was a testament to the power of love, the joy of family, and the enduring spirit of adventure. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her best qualities will continue to shine through in Fiona.