Alicia Svec Brittle
August 13, 1945 – August 10, 2019
BRITTLE, Alicia Svec, of Richmond, Virginia passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on August 10, 2019, a victim of breast cancer. She is survived by her husband Gerald Brittle whom she married fifty years ago at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Born on August 13, 1945 in Queens, New York, Alicia was of Czech heritage, preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Albina Svec of Prague, who had escaped the German occupation in 1938. Her uncle, Archbishop John Bukovsky, a member of the Roman Curia, worked intimately with Pope John Paul II and President Reagan in the demise of the Soviet Union, and was later named papal nuncio to Russia.
A life-long Catholic, Alicia was passionate about her faith, and attended St. Andrew Catholic School in Roanoke, Catherine Spalding University in Louisville, run by the Sisters of Nazareth, and then earned a Masters degree from the Patterson School of Diplomacy at the University of Kentucky. In life she taught high school at Notre Dame Academy in Manhattan, and was later a professor of political science at the University of Hartford. After moving to Virginia she held positions at the McGuire Woods law firm and in the commercial banking division of BB&T. Until her death she administrated the affairs of the Saint Thomas More Society, a guild of Catholic lawyers, as well as working closely with the Little Sisters of the Poor in Henrico county.
Politically, Alicia was a highly active force in the Republican party of Virginia. She was the administrative assistant to Lt. Governor John Hager and seventh district treasurer to Congressman Eric Cantor. She served on the board of the Family and Children’s Trust Fund where she squired through legislature for a dedicated Kids First license plate in response to violence against children. She was a past president of the James River Republican Women’s Club and a respected member of the Virginia Federation of Republican Women. Alicia was a sincere, caring, and energetic woman who, through her faith and actions, lived her life in true fidelity to God’s will.
Cherished friends are invited to a private viewing on the evening of August 15 at the Affinity Funeral Home from 7-9 pm at 2720 Enterprise Parkway, Richmond. A Mass of Christian Burial will then follow at 10am on Friday August 16, 2019 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 300 North Shepherd Street, Richmond, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, a modern GoFundMe page, has been devised to accept donations for relief of the substantial medical and funeral expenses the family has endured, or if preferred such considerations can safely be sent by mail to Alicia Brittle Memorial, 2711 Buford Road, #204, Richmond, Virginia 23235.
Oh, how enormously saddened we are by Alicia’s passing. She never missed a chance to hug me at St. Peter Church and we always commented on each other’s hat or outfit. By reading her amazing biography we are reminded how she’ll be long remembered for the extraordinary work she accomplished. Truly, she was a remarkable woman of faith, brilliance, and love. We smile through our tears having been blessed to know her.
What an amazing woman. Am sure she is directing all things Above. Deepest sympathies to her family.
I extend my condolences to the entire Svec-Brittle family. Alicia was my sophomore year English teacher at The Notre Dame School in NYC. She was instrumental in keeping me on track for my nursing education by introducing me to Catherine Spalding College, now Salding University, when my nursing school of choice closed. Thank you for the encouragement and keeping on track for my life-long vocation of nursing. Wishing you peace, offering prayers, rest in peace.
Correction: Spalding University
So sorry to hear of Alicia’s passing. She was such a loving and friendly person! She always had a kind word for us and our children when we saw her at mass at St. Benedict’s And was always looking for ways to help promote the parish school. She will be missed. Eternal rest grant unto Alicia O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. Through the mercy of God may she Rest In Peace.
Alicia was a very special person and she will be greatly missed.
Alicia was my sophomore English teacher in high school at Notre Dame School in NYC. Her teaching was outstanding and her class was both inspiring and challenging and left quite an impression on me. For many years Alicia and I exchanged Christmas letters and maintained a friendship across the miles. I always deeply appreciated her kind and encouraging words. In recent years I’ve had the opportunity to visit with Alicia and Gerald while vacationing in Virginia. On our last visit Alicia brought me to the Slovak musuem after discovering that we shared the same heritage. It was a delightful and memorable afternoon. I shall dearly miss Alicia. May the angels carry her to Paradise and may the consolation of God surround her husband, Gerald, and all of her loved ones.
I am so sorry about the loss of Alicia. I did not know here personally, but have seen her at Republican events. My sympathy goes
out to her family.
I will miss Alicia dearly. She was a friend and a confidant to me. God Speed my friend.
Alicia was such a “good” friend! In every sense of the word she was a sister to me I will miss her presence in this life for sure! I share with her though the sure faith that we are united in God’s love and that we will see each other again, perhaps even more clearly than during this life. Thank you, Alicia for all your great heart!
Linda owen
Gerald, I was saddened to learn that Alicia had been ill and passed away. I got to know her in the mid-90s when she was president of the James River Republican Women’s Club, and I was a new member. I met you during that time, although I’m sure you wouldn’t remember. Alicia, with her infectious enthusiasm and can-do attitude, convinced me to get more involved in the club and politics, and provided opportunities for me to do so. It was hard to tell her no, and I was glad to have the chance to interact with her more.
Almost seven years ago, Alicia met someone who knew me, and she was so thoughtful to send greetings and compliments to me via our mutual acquaintance. What I said then is true today: It did my heart good to hear from her and read her kind words. Alicia was an energetic, wonderful lady, who packed a great deal into her years on this earth. I was inspired by her, and I feel privileged to have known her.
I send my sincerest condolences for your loss. I hope you find peace in knowing Alicia lived such a full life on this earth, and is likely organizing and motivating others in Heaven.