Alberta L. McAllister

AUSTINTOWN — Alberta L. “Bertie” McAllister, 87, died peacefully, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at Woodlands at AustinWoods.

She was born May 29, 1938, in Youngstown, a daughter of Albert Smith and Josephine Vernarsky Smith.

Family gatherings were a highlight of her life; she flourished in the kitchen, crafting delicious meals and baked goods, particularly during the Christmas season.

She enjoyed playing bingo, cards and bowling. She was a passionate supporter of all Cleveland sports teams and she had an amazing ability to recall their sports statistics.

Alberta is survived by her husband, Albert “Mac” McAllister, whom she married Aug. 25, 1956; daughters, Gayle (Edward) Zupko of Hubbard, Karen (Randy) Rutushin of Salem and Kimberly Mancino of Youngstown; son, Gregory (Rhonda) McAllister of Austintown; sister-in-law, LuAnn Smith of Mineral Ridge; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren, with one on the way.

In addition to her parents, Alberta was preceded in death by her son, Mark McAllister; daughter-in-law, Paula McAllister; brother, James Smith; sister, Mary Grover; and two grandchildren.

Calling hours will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave.

Prayers will start at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at the funeral home, where family and friends can pay their respects starting at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am at St. Brendan Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Woodlands at AustinWoods, especially her “best friend,” Anna Sleyzak, for the great care she received while there.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or to Friends of Fido at www.friendsoffidomahoning.org/donate.

You can send condolences to Alberta’s family and make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting www.higgins-reardon.com.