Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Alison Kisch Obituary
PORTLAND - Alison Amy Kisch, 39, died unexpectedly on Sept. 3, 2005 while vacationing with her family in rural Maine.
Alison loved life and cherished her husband and children. Her appreciation of life and beauty was expressed through her passion for running and the wonders of nature She could often be found running through the quiet streets of greater Portland or walking along Crescent and Scarborough beaches. She loved sharing her favorite things with those nearest and dearest to her. Many friends will miss her loyal friendship and support.
She lived her life with an intensity that no time should be wasted. She encouraged everyone to do the things that made them happiest and she did this by example.
She took incredible joy in her life with her husband Bob and their girls. She was loved by so many people because she cared so deeply about others, gave so much, and listened so well.
Alison was born on Dec. 14, 1965 and grew up in East Lansing, Mich. She graduated as a civil engineer from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After college she moved to California where she met Bob. They were married on May 24, 1991. In her work she helped bring bike lanes to Portland streets and educate people about conservation.
She is survived by her husband and best friend, Bob Boothe; two daughters, Ellianna and Karina, all of Portland; her mother, Clara Kisch of East Lansing, Mich.; sister, Pamela Kisch (Paul Sher) of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and dear friends, Susan Wiener (Jeff Mosley), Michael Meighan and many, many others. Alison will be missed by her nieces and nephews, Nadine, Justin and Conrad Boothe of Los Angeles, and Hazel Sher-Kisch; her in-laws, Clyde and Frances Boothe; and brothers-in-law, Steven and Allen Boothe (Paula), also of Los Angeles.
She was preceded in death by her father, Herbert Kisch.
A service to celebrate Alison's life will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8, at Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth at 10 a.m. (at the end of Kettle Cove Rd., left off Rt. 77, near Crescent Beach State Park.) Please bring a flower for the ceremony and try to carpool as parking is limited.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Alison's name can be made to:
The Children's Center
207-797-9366
Alison Amy Kisch
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alison Kisch
Seth Teller
September 25, 2005
[These are from the memorial service.]
A Eulogy for Alison Kisch
It seems impossible that Alison is gone. I – we all – loved her so much.
All week, since Bob told me of Alison’s death, I’ve been thinking about her. About her qualities as a person and as a friend; about what she meant to me.
Alison was simply a lovely person. A loyal, caring friend, always making the effort to keep in touch; always asking after me and my family and my life; a loving caregiver and eventually soulmate to Bob; a wonderful and loving, fiercely devoted mother to her children Ellianna and Karina. So many friends drift away over time. After all, it’s been more than 15 years since we became friends at Berkeley, after she nursed Bob back to health. But Alison didn’t drift away; she worked hard to be present for us, her family and friends.
I wanted to read from some of the correspondence I’ve had with Alison over the years. All of you friends and family here already know her spark and love of life; but I wanted to share some specific memories from her letters.
Early in the winter of 1998, I was single and living alone and had wrecked my knee on the ultimate Frisbee field. As my surgery date approached, even though I did my best on the phone to minimize my apprehension, Alison later wrote:
Seth, do you think you will be up for me and Bob to come visit you while you are recovering? We could always spoil you by cooking for you and bringing over a video to watch. It would be fun to spend time with you and we could always just come for the day.
Soon afterward, she was there on my doorstep, and it made me feel so much better. This was such classic Alison – to suggest a visit and then really follow through, even though she had her own busy life and things to tend to. I just loved that about her! When Rachel and I became involved, Alison went out of her way to inquire about her, and later to make her feel welcome and included and loved as part of our circle of friends. It doesn’t always occur to people to do this, but it always occurred to Alison. That was just her nature.
Alison’s sweetness and engagement made an impression on everyone she encountered. A few weeks later, she wrote:
Hi Seth, thanks for the birthday greeting.
The office has been wonderful. At a staff meeting today they all sang happy birthday, gave me a bunch of roses and bought two carrot cakes to munch on. This morning I dragged Bob out of bed and he ran with me at Mackworth Island while the sun was coming up. It was a great way to start the day.
I was glad we came down to visit and happy to see that you are recovering. I hope to see you again before Thing 1 arrives. [Thing 1 was her codename for Ellianna.]
Thanks for not teasing my ever expanding belly!
Love,
Alison
After her first maternity leave, she wrote:
Hi Seth,
Yes, I'm back at work. It's hard to believe I've been off for 5 months.
The time went way too fast. We had an amazing time in Switzerland. It was a tremendous joy to travel as a mom. Ellianna enjoyed our long hikes each day and was busy charming all of the tourists. Countless travelers talked to her in a multitude of languages probably telling her what crazy parents she has for taking her on this journey. We did some pretty scary stuff with her. I am convinced that she will want to go bungey jumping by her third birthday.
Ellianna has been saying mama mama mama. I know she has no idea what she is saying but I am one proud mommy! Bob and I have been working on crawling lessons each night with her. She's making some progress but prefers to scoot on her back or just roll in the direction she wants to go.
Thinking of you,
Alison
Just after coming home from our daughter Sophia’s 2nd birthday party, Alison wrote:
I forgot to tell you that when Karina turned 2 we had an incredibly messy party. I think we invited about five 2 year olds. They first got to search for surprises in a very large bin full of rice krispies. Of course lots of them spilled and before long the kids were slipping on the floor. For the next activity we had all of the kids sit on the floor to finger paint with chocolate pudding. Some kids were barefoot and made footprints on the paper as well as the floor. Bob decided to then hang the artwork to dry which then dribbled down our window sills and on to the floor. The last mess involved rolling out dough and cutting out shapes for making cookies. Next everyone sat on the floor to frost and decorate with sprinkles. I had the messiest house to clean!
Love,
Alison
How many people do you know who would tolerate, let alone encourage, that kind of mess in their house? This was another thing I admired, and loved, about Alison. She encouraged the same freedom and openness in her daughters; when they visited us recently, each of them drew pictures of our daughter Sophia as gifts. Then the kids secretly hung the pictures on Sophia’s bedroom wall, and led her upstairs with her eyes closed in order to surprise her. Classic Alison! This – what else to call it? – pure sweetness and goodness is Alison’s gift to her daughters, and through them to all of us.
Well. Losing Alison – it’s unnatural, it’s a catastrophe, a disaster… there isn’t really a word that encompasses it. All of our hearts are broken.
The depth of our grief now, I suppose, is a measure of our depth of love for her, and of her for us. Think about it: there are many people in the world that were unaffected by Alison’s passing. But do you envy a single one of them? Unlike them, each of us is fortunate enough to hold some of Alison inside us; in our hearts and minds, and (as the engineer in me couldn’t help reminding Bob in trying to console him) in the case of Ellianna and Karina, Alison’s essence literally lives on inside every single cell of their bodies. She was with me, in my thoughts, all week, and enjoyed vicariously through me a walk on the beach, a swim in Cape Cod bay, a long look at the night sky, and -- a snuggle with our daughter, something Alison especially savored each time our families met.
Dear friend Alison; wife to my dear friend Bob; mother to these dear children Ellianna and Karinna. Alison: I’m not ready to say goodbye. So I’ll just close the way that you often closed your letters -- that I miss you and that I am thinking of you. That’s it.
Nancy Ward-Corner
September 20, 2005
I am saddened to hear of Alison's passing. Alison and I played many hours of tennis together in Middle and High School. I will always have fond memories of our antics on the court as partners. My deepest condolensces to Bob and your family.
Sue Selke
September 8, 2005
It is with sincere sadness that we hear of the passing of Alison.
I had the distict pleasure of knowing Alison as a student of the game of tennis as she was growing up in East Lansing. We shared many competitve moments as she worked to improve her tennis skills but most of all how graciously she handled herself on and off the court in winning and losing a tennis match.
She will be missed by all the tennis instructors at Court One Athletic Clubs as we considered her a true friend. Our thought are with the family.
Sue Selke, Rick Ferman, Larry Letwin and tennis staff.
Pat Cannon
September 8, 2005
Dear Bob, Elianna and Karina,
My heart goes out to you all at this sad time. Alison will be remembered by many for her amazing POSITIVE ENERGY! It is hard to believe Alison has passed....and yet life is so fragile. I will remember the fun times we shared singing and playing together at the Family Music classes you brought the girls to when they were younger.
Wishing you all the strength and comfort love can bring.
Jessica Bussgang Rosenbloom
September 8, 2005
Bob and family -
We wanted to express our deepest sympathies to you all with regard to Alison's sudden and tragic death. We have only met you all on a few occasions but we know our sister Julie Bussgang cherishes your friendship. We are sure she will treasure your visit of just last month. We hope that you find comfort and support from friends and family during this period of mourning. Sending you strength.
Jessica Bussgang Rosenbloom and family
Sindee Cohen
September 7, 2005
Alison had the greatest compassion for others. Her kindness and caring came sparkling through in her bright eyes and ready smile. I will cherish those times we had to chat after a race, with her daughters always at her side, and Alison glowing with pride and love for them. You could see it in her face and hear it in her voice. Being near her always made me think about what was really important in life–this was her gift to those of us who only saw her every now and then. With sincere sympathy to Bob and Ellianna and Karina.
Andi Bartlett
September 7, 2005
I loved Alison and her bright smile. Her warm spirit was infectious. Her family was the center of her life, and she was so proud of them. Alison had a unique way about her that made others feel special. I'll miss her. Tonight at the MOAC meeting we honored her memory with a flower on her chair in the front row. Tears are flowing freely-love to Bob and the girls.
Laurie Gaudreau
September 7, 2005
Dear Bob, family and cherished friends:
My thoughts and prayers our with you all and I am so sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to have had the privlege of getting to know Alison through the running community. She was a delight to run with and such a beautiful sole inside and out. My strength to you all during this time. Laurie Gaudreau
Linda and Michael Boardman
September 7, 2005
We are so saddened to hear of this devastating news. We met Alison and Bob at lamaze class when we were pregnant with our first babies and although we didn't get to see each other very often, it was so nice to catch up when we did. We will miss Alison's great smile and caring nature-the world will not be the same without her. Our hearts and prayers go out to both families and Bob, Ellianna and Karina.
Tara & Marc Jacquet
September 7, 2005
We are so saddened to hear this news. We were so lucky to have lived near Bob and Alison in Cottage Park. Alison and I were pregnant at the same time and I was so touched when she and Bob decorated our house with blue lights and balloons when we brought our baby home. Alison was a kind, caring person who was such a wonderful friend and neighbour. She obviously loved her family dearly and took such delight in their every new step and stage. She will be dearly missed and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. Marc and Tara Jacquet
Brian Pettingill
September 7, 2005
Although only knowing her for a few short years, it was very apparent that Alison was a special person. She always seemed to care so much about what was going on in other people's lives, and made you feel like you had been friends for years. My deepest sympathy to Bob and the girls, who always seemed so happy and alive, no doubt because of her attitude and love of life.
Beth *Bethie* Keenan
September 7, 2005
Alison was an amazing person who was one of the most positive people I have ever known. Her love of her husband and daughters, Ellianna and Karina was unbelievable . She always put them first and it was obvious in the way she looked at them that she cherished them to the deepest core of her body. Alison will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Bob, Ellianna and Karina, you will be in my prayers and always in my heart.
Jo & Cory Morrissey
September 7, 2005
Dear Bob, Elliana, Karina, and family and friends:
Our hearts go out to you in your time of grief. No matter how crazy things were, we always enjoyed Alison's smile and kind words whenever you two walked into Java Joe's...and subsequently whenever we had the pleasure of running into you two around town. May God bless~
~Cory & Jo
Kim White
September 7, 2005
We will miss you and your spirit. You touched our family in many ways!
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Alison Kisch's name
Memorial Events
for Alison Kisch
How to support Alison's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Alison Kisch's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
