Alvina Schnell was born on July 31, 1936, in Minatare, Nebraska to parents, E. George Schnell and Pauline B. Schnell. She lived in Harrisburg, Nebraska until she was eleven years and moved with her family to Florida. She came from a large extended family. Both parents lost previous spouses and had children from those marriages. From her Dad’s previous marriage there was
Conrad, George, Dave, Henry, Alex, Will, Peter, John, Mary and Eva. All of these siblings are now deceased. Her Mother (Pauline) had three children from her first marriage: Elmer, Pauline and Alyce. These children are deceased too. Her immediate family: Brothers -John, Ed, and Robert, are deceased.

Alvina was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She attended school in Avon Park, Florida. The family lived for short time on a dairy farm in New York State. They returned to the family home on Cornell Street in Avon Park, Florida.
As a young person, Alvina enjoyed animals, especially dogs. Some hobbies she liked were reading and shopping. She enjoyed sweets of all types. The family reunions were one of her favorite activities to attend. Although she was a quiet person, she did not hesitate to ask you about family members and spouses.
After her stroke which left her unable to walk and confined her to a wheel chair and later a bed, she had to be placed in a nursing facility in Plant City. While she was still able to get around in a wheel chair, she loved to circulate around the facility where she lived. She attended the many activities provided.
Later on she was transferred to a care facility in Ybor City (Tampa). There too, she appreciated the care and activities provided. She peacefully passed away in her sleep on August 31, 2016.
On one of her last visits by a family member she remarked: Be thankful for your life, your family, friends and your ability to lead a normal life. Since her stroke her life had become more limited. Her message to the family of being grateful for our good health, our family and our friends is one to considered by all. We never know when we may lose any of these.
Alvina will be remembered as a sister, who appreciated her family.