Alice M. Gilbert, age 89 a lifelong resident of Big Rapids, passed away July 2, 2007. She was born May 10, 1918 in Big Rapids to Michael P. and Alice M. (Fitzgerald) Whalen. Alice married C. Norris Gilbert on May 20, 1939. Together they made their home in Big Rapids where Alice worked for the Schuberg Insurance Agency and later as the administrative assistant to the Registrar at Ferris State University. She was a devout Catholic and a lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids. She is survived by her three children; Dr. Gordon C. (Pam Shields) Gilbert of Big Rapids, Gary W. (L. Ann Daggett) Gilbert of Mecosta, Gina M. Gilbert of Big Rapids and special nephew, Shawn (Patti) Downey of Traverse City. Five grandchildren; Danya (Roger) Pollaski, Todd (Sherri) Gilbert, Kirsten (Tom) Harper, Erin Gilbert, Allison (Kim) Sanders, Seven Great grandchildren, and one Great-great-grandson. One brother Dave (Mary) Whalen of Farmington. Brothers and Sisters-in-law; Martha Whalen of Big Rapids, Orrie and Florence Gilbert of Tecumseh, Marge Ariss of Grand Rapids and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Alice was preceded in death by her husband C. Norris Gilbert in 1983, five brothers; Jim, Ed, John, Michael, and Urban Whalen and five sisters; Bridgetta Cockerill, Margaret McKenna, Kathryn Binney, Anne Everett and Mary Downey. Funeral mass will take place 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 5th at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Lam T. Le officiating. Burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 on Wednesday, July 4th, with a vigil service at 8:00 pm that evening. The family will also greet friends one hour prior to services at the Church on Thursday the 5th. Memorial contributions in Alice's name may be given to the Mecosta County Community Foundation, St. Mary Catholic Church or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.