Alice McKenna

Elbert and Pearl Keefer Lee were pioneers who homesteaded on Kube Table, near Scenic, South Dakota. Alice Lee was born on their sheep ranch on May 29, 1918. They lived in Scenic, New Underwood and Silver City, S.D., before moving to East Lansing, Michigan. There Alice completed her education, graduating from Michigan State College, magna cum laude, with a B. S. degree in Education and Home Economics. She was elected to the honoraries, Omicron Nu and Phi Kappa Phi. She also attended Merrill Palmer School of Child Development on a scholarship to obtain her child development credits.

After teaching in Grass Lake and Lansing, Michigan, she married 1st Lt. George F. McKenna. She became a Home Management Supervisor for the Home Security Administration for 300 families in three Michigan counties. As her husband's postings required moves, she raised their children in Kentucky, Tennessee, New York and Connecticut before moving to Austin, Texas in 1950 and staying there.

In Austin, she taught as a substitute in public schools, and then taught at St. Andrew's Episcopal School for twenty years. She was the consummate volunteer, even while teaching school fulltime. She was Superintendent of Sunday School at St. George's and was President of the Women's Auxiliary four times. At St. Matthew's Church, she was their first Director of Religious Education (DRE). At All Saints' Church, she served as Lay Reader, Chalice Bearer, usher and President of their Episcopal Church Women's chapter. She taught the Mustard Tree Bible Study for many years. She served the Episcopal Diocese of Texas as Convocational Coordinator for the Austin Convocation and was a member of the Diocesan Commission on Aging. She was a trustee on the Boards of All Saints' Episcopal Day School and St. George's Court. She also was the costumer of the Austin Civic Ballet for 15 years and was a volunteer at Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. At Englewood Estates where she lived in her later years, she led the stretch exercise class until she turned 90 when she thought they ought to get someone younger. She attended St. Alban's Episcopal Church to go to church with her great-grandchildren and enjoyed the Thursday morning Bible Study.

During retirement, Alice and George travel extensively going to 21 ElderHostels, visiting 49 states (but could not find any reason to go to North Dakota!) and touring 21 countries around the world.

Alice's family would like to thank South Austin Assisted Living and New Century Hospice for their compassionate care of Alice. Many thanks to Marisa, Nelson, Cora, Jesse, Teresa, Mike, Sharon & Debbie as well as Stephanie, Valerie, Gia and Sarah.

Alice was preceded in death by her siblings – Margaret Lee Raffensperger, Martha Lee Garrison and Wayne Lee. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Carolyn, and her husband, George.

She is survived by her children: George and Mary Ann McKenna of Houston, Susan and Jim Tennison of Manchaca, and Eleanor and Keith Ackermann of Orlando, Florida. She is also survived by five grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren and one greatly-anticipated great-grandchild expected very soon.

Alice requested donations to the following charities for memorial contributions in lieu of flowers: Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, 1314 West 45th Street, Austin, TX 78756,

Texas Talking Book Program, P.O. Box 12516, Austin, TX 78711-2516, or St. Alban's Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 368, Manchaca, TX 78652-0368.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Alice's life on Saturday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 11819 I H 35 S Austin, TX 78747. Lunch and visitation will be after the service. Alice believed that death is a joyous occasion, so to honor her, please do not wear black. Please wear turquoise (her favorite color) or your favorite color.