Alice Marie Ordway

1921 - 2014

Alice Marie Ordway

Alice was a fiercely independent and strong woman who lived a long and passionate life built from her own ideas, values and dreams. She was a strong advocate for women's rights, the environment and the Democratic Party.

Born Alice Marie Stroncek on April 21st 1921 to Thomas M Stroncek and Lillie Forsyth of Ballard. The eldest sibling to Irene Lagerstrom, Betty Malody and Jim Stroncek. After graduating Lincoln High School she married Thomas Matthews and they had two children Janet and Geoffrey. While raising their children they attended and graduated from WSU. Alice taught elementary until Tom received a grant to study Middle Eastern Culture in Turkey. Alice took the kids on a whirlwind Summer-long exploration of the landmarks, culture and arts of Europe. After getting divorced she taught English in Turkey where she fell in love with her dream man and head of the foreign service in Turkey, John Ordway. Alice made a great diplomat's wife and delighted in entertaining foreign dignitaries, hosting social events and exploring foreign countries. John's diplomatic career took them to Mexico City, Washington DC, Sicily and Winnipeg before they retired to Alice's birthplace of Seattle. Retirement was busier than ever as she chased her many passions including gardening, travel, painting, sculpture, and attending her many clubs and organizations such as WUC, AAUW, and directing many Seattle gardening clubs. A true shutterbug, she could be counted on for commemorating every event with photos and video. Her bond with her family was her joy and she relished family reunions during holidays, life milestones and gatherings at Lake Cavanaugh, the mountain retreat where generations of her sibling's families would often come together to share laughter, fun and good times.

After losing John to cancer in 1991 she remained a whirlwind of activity until a stroke in her mid-80s meant that her body could no longer keep up with her fiery spirit. The last years of her life were spent enjoying cards, activities, friendships, and family visits at Stafford Suites in Kent. She passed away Sunday morning, August 31st, 2014 with family at her side.

Alice is survived by her sister Betty Malody, brother Jim Stroncek, Daughter Janet Jonak, Son Geoffrey Matthews, Step son Eric Ordway, 9 Grandchildren, and 9 Great grandchildren. Please sign Alice's online Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.