Alice Maria Grant House

AUBURN -- Alice Maria Grant House, 90, a resident of Old Lewiston Road, North Monmouth, died Saturday, March 7, at Bolster Heights Nursing Home in Auburn.

She was born Jan. 1, 1919, in Pemaquid, the daughter of Valverdie A. and Myrtie E. Osier Grant. Alice attended Bath schools and was a 1936 graduate of Morse High School in Bath.

Alice went to electrician school at Bath Iron Works during World War II. In 1942-1943, she worked at the Bath Iron Works as an electrician, wiring the 5-inch guns located in the turrets on the destroyers. Here is where she met her beloved "Irvie," who worked as an outside machinist. On Dec. 14, 1944, in North Monmouth, Alice and Irving E. House were married.

After raising her children, Alice also had a career as a practical nurse and caregiver. She was a member of the United Church of Monmouth. Alice especially loved children and taught Bible school and Sunday school for about 45 years. At one time, she served as the president of the North Monmouth Community Church's Ladies Aid for 37 years.

Alice was also a member of the Monmouth Museum, where she loved working on the annual Applefest event. She loved cooking "the Downeast way" and taking trips back to her roots on the coast of Maine. Alice also enjoyed traveling to destinations in Bermuda and different parts of the United States and her three trips to Europe. She also enjoyed genealogy and discovering that five of her ancestors were Mayflower pilgrims.

She adored her pets and referred to them as "her little people." Alice shared her later years with her Pembroke Welsh corgi, Robbie; and Maine coon cat Pansy.

Alice was a beloved wife, mother and a friend to all. She will always be known for her cheery disposition and for always looking on the bright side of things.

She is survived by a daughter, Valerie M. House Coffin and her companion, Peter H. Danforth, of North Monmouth; a stepdaughter, Janet E. House Richards and her husband, Marvin, of Winthrop; a brother, Burton A. Grant and his wife, Mary, of Edgecomb; and a sister, Margaret E. Hamblin of Bath. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Irving E. House, in February 1998; a son, Joel Irving House, in 1959; and two sisters, Carolyn L. Chick and Edith E. Willey.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Bragdon-Finley Funeral Home, 707 Main St., Monmouth. Visiting hours will be noon to 2 p.m. prior to the funeral. Interment will occur in the spring at Glenside Cemetery, Turkey Lane, Winthrop.

If desired, contributions may be made to United Church of Monmouth, c/o Michelle Mann, Treasurer, 645 Main St., Monmouth, ME 04259; or Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330; or Androscoggin Hospice House, 236 Stetson Road, Auburn, ME 04210.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.finleyfuneralhome.com.