Alberta Alice Suiter, 81, of Alpha, affectionally known as Birdie, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital Warren Campus in Phillipsburg.

She was born in Somerville on February 14, 1942, a daughter of the late Albert and Mildred Fowler Gordon.  She grew up in Peapack – Gladstone and had lived in Basking Ridge for 33 years before moving to Alpha in 2022.

Mrs. Suiter was a childcare provider in her home for over 30 years.  She was a wife, mother of four, grandmother of two, great grandmother of one and surrogate mother to many.  Birdie contracted polio in the mid-40s before the vaccine was available, but she never let that hinder her from living a full life.  Music played regularly in her home especially Elvis, 50s and country music.  She enjoyed working on word search games and loved traveling to Wildwood.

She was predeceased by a son, Bruce Morrell who died in 1983 and by a brother, Robert Gordon who died in 2023.

Mrs. Suiter is survived by her husband of 37 years, Donald W. Suiter; two sons, Scott Morrell of Alpha and Robert A. Rapone, Jr. and his partner, Lynette Geraghty of Alpha; a daughter, Lisa A. Rapone and her partner, Melissa Greco of Union; 2 granddaughters, Jessica Faas and her husband, Corey, and Casey Rapone; a great granddaughter, Stella Faas; a sister-in-law, Regina Gordon of Bunnvale and numerous beloved in-laws; nieces and nephews.

Funeral service at the Layton Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Bedminster on Monday, November 20 at 11:00am.  Interment will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, Basking Ridge.  Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 – 5pm.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to one’s local animal shelter as Birdie was an avid supporter of animal rescues and pet parent to many in her lifetime.