Inga (Svendsen) McAlister

Inga Claire Svendsen McAlister, first married to the late James A. McAlister, Jr. and widow of Dr. Eugene Y. Smith  of Charleston, SC, entered into eternal rest on May 5, 2023.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, May 11, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 95 Hasell St. The Rite of Committal will take place at St. Lawrence Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening between 5:00 and 7:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. You are cordially invited to a reception following the burial at the Carolina Yacht Club.

Inga was born in Charleston on August 31, 1929, the youngest of three daughters to the late Virgil Dibble Svendsen and Theresa Catherine Riley Svendsen.

She attended Cathedral Grammar School and graduated from Bishop England High School. Inga was a graduate of the College of Charleston, where she was president of Chi Omega Sorority. She worked at C & S Bank, then enjoyed teaching for many years at Miss Mason’s School. From there she went to work at MUSC, where she retired from the Student Accounting Department.

Inga grew up in the creeks and marshes around her family’s James Island home. Through her parents’ friendship with the Hanckel Family of Coburg Dairy she became an avid sailor, competing in local regattas. She loved nothing more than being out in the sunshine, spending many summers on the local beaches and waterways. Inga loved her book club, bird watching, gardening, and needle point. Her love of playing cards evolved into a regular bridge group and later a monthly poker game with dear friends which continued until her passing.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Theresians International. We were blessed to have such a loving, strong and beautiful mother.

Inga is survived by her children: Virginia T. McAlister and her partner Boo; James A. McAlister III and his wife Philippa; Mary McAlister Bryan and her husband George; Francis Winfield Towles McAlister; and Inga McAlister Sullivan. Also surviving are her grandchildren: James E. Carroll, III; Francis Winslow Carroll and Grace; James A. McAlister IV and his wife Maggie; Thomas Capers McAlister Carroll; Catherine Adelaide McAlister and her fiancé Wil; and John Pearce McAlister, as well as cousins, four nieces, six nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Carter May Home and her special friend Roland Moise. We are also grateful for the wonderful care she received at Roper Hospice Cottage.

Please consider a contribution to St Mary’s Restoration Fund or any local Animal Rescue of your choice.

Online Condolences: James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

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