Lona Alpert

Lona (Nee Drucker) Alpert born December 17, 1933 in Newark, NJ, passed away after a short illness on August 28, 2023. She is survived by her children Jeffrey Alpert (Christina Krosche) of Princeton, NJ and Jill Alpert Miller (Randy) and granddaughter Gabrielle Raina Miller all of Covington, GA, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. Her loving husband of 59 years, Ira (Ike) Alpert passed away in 2016. Lonass early life growing up in Hillside, NJ, with mother Ruth, father Barney and older brother Bill, was full of laughter and love. She was often a terror as a feisty little Lona or 'Lunky' as her mother nicknamed her. As a high school student she was ever so popular as her class treasurer, class clown, basketball player and theatre kid. She found herself performing in summer stock at an early age meeting her dearest and lifelong friends. Lona's passion for the theatre, music and the arts followed her throughout her life. She was an award winning actress, director and producer having formed her own production company 'LA Players'. Lona's company regularly produced shows as fundraisers for a variety of charitable organizations. Many other interests included classic cars and club memberships with husband Ira (Slant Six, Unforgettable Autos and Chrysler Club of America). She loved seeing Broadway shows, trips to the Jersey Shore, being den mother to Jeffrey's cub scout troop and hosting many gatherings of family and friends. A beloved member of the local Lioness and 50 plus club groups, she was most recently entertainment coordinator. Lona remained her High School Class of 1952 reunion chairperson up until her death. The last reunion she planned was the 70th in 2022. Her High School friends called her 'the glue' as she always brought people together. Always athletic, Lona was active in bowling, swimming, tennis and softball. Her love of theatre extended into many theatre groups, including: The New Theater, Playhouse 22, Hexagon Players, The Villagers Theater, Chatham Players, Circle Playhouse and Somerset Valley Playhouse, all in NJ. Most recently her newest theatre family was The New Depot Players in Conyers, GA. She worked for over 40 years as a medical secretary before retiring, the last 22 years with AT&T. Lona was also integral in managing her husbands businesses. Lona and Ira raised their family in Chester, NJ with a household of collie dogs and horses, many over the years. Nothing gave her greater joy than her children and granddaughter, and then daughter-in-law and son-in-law. She will be forever missed and loved by all who knew her. Her newest friendships included the staff and residents of The Oaks at Ashton Hills, assisted living facility in Covington, GA. Though put to the test during the most challenging time of her life, Lona quickly drew everyone there into her circle of life and love. Lonas essence for life and bringing laughter, light and joy will never be matched and one phrase that epitomized her was 'wait theres more!' We know that she might be telling offensive jokes for all eternity. Funeral Services to be held: Van Arsdale Funeral Home 111 N. Gaston Avenue Somerville, NJ 08876 Tuesday September 5, 2023 @ 11:30 AM Interment to Follow: Beth Israel Cemetery 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095 Shiva to be held: The Home of Howard Drucker & Lynne Frumkin 9 Scenic Drive Dayton, NJ 08810 Tuesday 9/5 - 4 - 8 pm Wednesday 9/6 - 11 am - 7 pm Thursday 9/7 - 2 pm - 7 pm Donations requested in lieu of flowers: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer & THE SMILE TRAIN Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Lona Alpert

December 17, 1933 - August 28, 2023