Alice Irene Aldrich

ALICE I. ALDRICH

Born December 12, 1920 in McIntosh, Minnesota and passed on January 27, 2011 in Seattle, Washington at the age of 90. She was born to Knute and Louise Ferden on the family farm and was proud of her full Norwegian ancestry. Alice was born 6th in a family of 11 children, six girls and five boys. She was preceded in death by her parents, all of her sisters and brothers, her husband of 53 years, Oliver Adrian Aldrich in 1996 and her grandson, Craig Walen (34) in 2009. She is survived by her three children and their spouses; Louise Winter (John), Jeannette Walen (Mike) and James D. Aldrich (Pauline); Also by six grandchildren; David Winter (Cassie), Susan Winter (Dave Breed), Julie Winter (James Helmich), Jennifer LaRose (Scot), James O. Aldrich and Libby Walunas and great grandchildren, River Helmich, Anthony Fitzpatrick, Tristan Helmich, Nathan Fitzpatrick, Kaley Aldrich, Vivian Aldrich and Connor Walunas.

We had our last big celebration with mother for her 90th birthday in December. Thank you Mom for blessing us over the years with your love in action; like wonderful blackberry and lemon pies, beautifully baked and decorated birthday cakes by your own hand and heart for each of us, every year, and your special dill pickles. Thank you for serving as our Room Mother during grade school years, and as Girl Scout Leader of Troop 834 for ten years and for taking us hiking, camping and Christmas Caroling. You were a Proverbs 31 woman and a wonderful example for us. Most of all, thank you Mom for pointing us to God and showing us how to care about others.

Mother graduated from McIntosh High School where she played the saxophone in the H. S. band. She moved to the big city of Minneapolis to study Nursing but changed her mind and came to Seattle where an older sister and friends were already living and working. Mom met our father Adrian at a dance in Seattle and their romance grew into marriage in 1942. She and Dad worked together making their dreams of family and home come true. Both parents were hard working and very resourceful and continued to add to their savings account until the day they would build their home. They purchased land and designed and built their home on Beacon Hill in south Seattle and moved into their new home in October of 1960. Around the same time Mom became an Avon Lady and continued for over 25 years becoming one of Avon’s top sales representatives. She earned so many awards and gifts that Dad designed and built a wooden, glass display case for her trophies.

Over twenty years ago mother suffered two major strokes. Sadly, at that time the medical field was not able to stop the progression of a stroke and it caused much impairment but Mom went through rehab twice with her strong determination and perseverance, never giving up. She continued to live in her home and for the past sixteen years has had the excellent and compassionate help of her faithful caregiver, Virginia, 24/7, five days a week. Four years ago Virginia’s sister, Lorna, joined the team in caring for Mother two days a week. Our family will be ever grateful and thankful for Virginia and Lorna. Virginia was with mother in the hospital as she took her last big breath. She prayed with Mom and sang her favorite song, Amazing Grace. It was a peaceful passing. Thank you, Lord.

Mother, we thank you for your love. You will always be in our hearts.

We love you,

Louise, Jeannette, Jim and family