Sha Alf

My mother, Sha, devoted her life to helping others, giving her time, energy, and talents selflessly through her work and her community in a way that truly made her special. She adored her parents, Mildred and Adolf Alf. Losing them at a young age, alongside her brothers, shaped her resilience and deepened her caregiving spirit. It gave her the drive to stay productive, give generously, and become the most devoted and loving mother she could be.

She grew up in Pensacola and later studied broadcasting in Tennessee, becoming a licensed radio and television broadcaster. Always eager to grow, she later completed a degree in international studies in Tokyo, Japan.

Her career carried her across the world. With the U.S. Navy Exchange in Yokosuka, Japan, she rose to International Director, overseeing operations throughout Asia and the Pacific. Colleagues admired her leadership and, just as much, the warmth and humor that made serious work feel like family.

In Miami, she raised her son while embracing a wide variety of roles, including Carnival Cruise Line director, flight attendant, massage therapist, and Health and Wellness Manager for the Miccosukee Indian Tribe. Whatever the job, she brought energy, compassion, and a gift for making others feel valued.

Back in the Panhandle, she embraced helping others resolve their disagreements by serving as a certified mediator for Escambia County courts and volunteering at NAS Pensacola with the Blue Angels and the Naval Aviation Museum.

Her proudest role, though, was never tied to work. She was funny, charming, and high-spirited, a natural comedian who could turn an ordinary evening into laughter. She made the best key lime pies and brought festive joy to every holiday. She carried an optimism that lifted everyone she met. Even as she neared 80, her energy and joy for life were unmatched.

She gave unconditional love to her son, Brock, and became like a mother to his wife, Rachel. She stayed close to her brothers, Donald and Mike Alf, and shared a special bond with her niece, Jennifer.

She was one of a kind. Through her charm, humor, spirituality, and unwavering love, she made the world brighter, strengthened her family and community, and made her son a better man because of the mother she was.

I can genuinely say she made the world a better place while living a remarkable life in the service of others, and that is exactly what she would have wanted.

Sha has been laid to rest at Pensacola Memorial Gardens alongside her mother and father.

“A life lived in service of others is never truly gone, it lives on in every heart touched, every kindness given, and every memory cherished."