Alicia Straka

Age: 96

Date of Death: August 20, 2023

Bridgewater, NJ

Alicia Loretta Straka, 96 Bridgewater, NJ Died -Sunday, August 20th, 2023 at her family home in Bridgewater Born March 30th, 1927 Allentown, PA Parents: George Dewey Joseph (deceased) and Sarah “Sadie” Brennan (deceased) Married to Albert A Straka, August 28th, 1948 – Windowed December 8th, 2015 Predeceased by her husband Albert (12-8-2015) daughter Carol Lynn Straka (8-26-2021) and sister Monica Mary Symons (4-23-2010) Survived by her children Monica Ann Straka, Lawrence Straka and wife Lavinia, Martin Straka and wife Candace. Granddaughter Lorianne Straka and Grandson Mathew Straka as well as her sister Dolores Squire, her son David John Squire and Daughter In-Law Virginia Squire (married to Bruce Squire-deceased) Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, her family moved to North Plainfield, NJ in the late 1930s. She met her future husband Albert, and they married in 1948. During the late 50s, they moved to Middlesex, NJ and they opened Straka Real Estate in Dunellen, NJ with a focus on helping Veterans obtain their homes. The family moved to Bridgewater, NJ in 1975. Alicia worked with Albert until the early 70s. After leaving real estate Alicia began working for Quick Chek food stores in the corporate office handling reception work and administrative duties. She worked there for 25 years before retiring. Alicia was an avid bowler, having started in the early 60s and continued bowling in leagues until an injury at age 92 forced her stop. She started bowling in the USBC Women’s Championships in 1966. Alicia traveled around the country and attended 52 out of 53 Women’s Championship National Tournaments and was recognized for 50 Years of attendance in 2016. She was also inducted as a member of the Somerset-Hunterdon Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame As well as, and as a part of bowling, Alicia loved to travel, most often with her daughter Carol Lynn. Alicia travelled to 48 states including Alaska and Hawaii along with a few visits overseas. Alican and Carol Lynn traveled everywhere and also had such great stories to share. Having raised four children, building a business with her husband, traveling extensively, and bowling, she still took the time and effort to stop and smell the roses. . or, actually, the surf (she was allergic to roses). The family purchased a home in Ortley Beach, NJ in the mid-70s and the children and all of their friends would spend as much time as possible at the home where everyone was welcome and knew they would be safe while having a good time. The shore house was Alicia’s favorite place and her only regret during the final months was not being able to go see her friends in Ortley. With many friends and family coming and going, the chaos of the shore house was her favorite enjoyment. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Sunday, August 27th, 2023 at Carpaccio Ristorante, 651 Bound Brook Rd, Middlesex, NJ 08846. Socializing and sharing memories from 4PM-6PM followed by a sit-down dinner with family and f