Alice Frances Theresa Bates

Alice, a smile of God, was born September 17, 1949 in Joliet, IL. Unhampered by bodily form, that divine spark, Alice's soul loosened itself from cancer's deadly grip and transported itself to the home of her heavenly Father, the Great Teacher, June 24, 2011. In 1967, Alice was awarded the Harold Thomas Shively Award in Latin at Springfield High School. In 1968, Alice was initiated a charter member of Phi Theta Kappa at Springfield Junior College. Alice loved teaching. She taught at St. Joseph School, St. Patrick School and at the old St. Agnes School for many years. Alice earned her A.A. at SCI and B.A. and M.A. at SSU. She was the family historian and loved lions and tigers. She enjoyed collecting memorabilia of Shirley Temple. Preceding Alice in death were her devoted father, Mathias; her aunts, Alice, Rose and Mary; her uncles, Francis, Joe, Wally and Joseph; her cousins, James and Jimmy; and her grandparents. Earthly ties and bonds are past. Pain that did not cease ended in peaceful rest at last. Grief though loud and deep, does not disturb her dreamless, deepest sleep. Mourning Alice are her sorrowing mother, Anita; her beloved sister, Rosemarie; her caring and loving brother, Lawrence and his dear wife, Sarah; her aunts, Ann and Clara; and her cousins, Bunny, Wallace, Ralph and his wife, Sandy. Lonely for Alice is her kitty cat, Dusty Maine Coon. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence, Springfield with Rev. Peter Harman. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.