As unreal as it may seem, we now go into the holiday season mourning the loss of our beloved Alice. After a courageous two-year battle with cancer, Alice’s tired body now rests in the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ. Although she no longer walks among us, it is my hope that her memory will be kept alive by all who loved and cherished her.

Alice was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and pillar of the community. She dedicated 25+ years to Billy Mitchell Elementary School where she served as a school administrator — a role she filled with unmatched love, kindness, and joy. She knew every single student by name, and somehow still made each one feel like her favorite. My own son was one of the many children she took under her wing, offering warmth, encouragement, safety, and a kind of genuine care that stays with you for a lifetime.

Alice was the kind of person who, even in her lowest moments, still found a way to serve others. She greeted the world with a smile, even on the hardest days. She fought her illness with incredible strength and grace, never losing the warmth that made her so deeply loved by students, family, coworkers, and friends. Her absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but her spirit will forever live on in the countless lives she touched.

In the final months of her life, Alice faced a confusing and heartbreaking medical journey. Although she had been living with stage 4 cancer, new neurological symptoms appeared earlier this year that left doctors uncertain about what was happening. After a fall and hospitalization, the family learned that the cancer had likely spread to her spine — something that had not been detected in earlier scans. Over the following weeks, her condition changed rapidly, and the family received conflicting information that made an already difficult time even more overwhelming. Despite everything she endured, Alice never complained, and remarkably, never once relied on pain medication, meeting each day with the same quiet strength that defined her life.

During this time, Alice’s oldest daughter (and my friend) Sarah became her full-time caregiver, supporting her through the most difficult phase of her illness. Sarah put her life and business on hold very often to care for her mom, so she could spend her final months surrounded by comfort, dignity, and the love of family. In addition to caring for Alice, Sarah has also been caring for her dad, Gilbert Sr., who suffered from a stroke this past summer. Caregivers need care too — and it is my hope to lighten my friend’s load as she mourns her mom and continues to care for her dad.

In addition to Sarah, Alice is survived by her youngest daughter Samantha, and her son Gil. She also leaves behind 10 beautiful grandchildren: Max, Rocco, Knox, Bronx, Nova, Marcus, Nathaniel, Sokha, Steven, and Juliana.

As Sarah and her family navigate this next chapter, I ask that we come together to support them through this difficult loss. Funds raised will go toward a beautiful celebration of life for Alice. Funds will also help Sarah catch up on essential bills and expenses after months of caregiving that prevented her from working full-time. Your contributions may also help obtain in-home support and care for her dad. Any little bit — no matter the amount — will make a difference.

If you’re unable to give, I ask that you donate a prayer and please share this GoFundMe to help spread Alice’s story and honor the legacy of a woman who gave so much to others.

Thank you for your compassion, generosity, and love for Sarah and her family during this heartbreaking time.

Lady Johanna Renza (Jo)

(Sarah will update everyone on a date for the Celebration of Life)