Alice Marie McKinzie

Alice Marie McKinzie
February 16, 1922 – March 19, 2011

On Saturday, March 19, 2011 Alice went home to be with the Lord, and to join her beloved husband, John who passed away almost exactly one year ago to the date. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was 89 years old, and had advanced Alzheimers disease. Alice was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was born in Patterson, CA as the third of four children to Edwin and Neta (Scull) Cooper. Alice lost her father at the age of 8 in an accident. Her mother never remarried, and raised four children on her own by opening a restaurant. Her mother's determination and strong work ethic made an early impression on Alice, who helped at the restaurant when she wasn't in school. A few years later, Alice was sent to live with her Granny Scull because her grandmother couldn't live alone with a heart condition. She had an especially close relationship with this grandmother who "spoiled" her. Alice attended one year of junior college in Salinas, CA but soon had to return to work because of the war. She worked at the phone company. Later, Alice worked as a telephone and teletype operator at the Naval Base in Watsonville, CA where she met her husband, John. They were married on her birthday in 1944, and spent 66 wonderful years together. Alice and John had a daughter, Susan. During John's 22-year naval career, the family moved many times. After his retirement from the Navy, Alice and John settled in San Jose, CA where they lived for nearly 30 years. Alice always enjoyed working. She was the manager of Books, Inc. in San Jose for many years. Alice was an avid reader and a member of the Revidio book club, at one time it's president. While managing Books, Inc., she worked with a group of women who became her life-long friends. John once called them "The Wild Bunch" during one of their get-togethers, and the name stuck. Alice was also the manager of Lynn's Hallmark Shop in San Jose for several years.
Alice and John decided to leave the city life and move to Bend, Oregon. They bought a nice home in a rural setting, and Alice went to work decorating it and making it her own. She had a real flair for color and design, and was a talented seamstress. Alice had sewn clothes for herself all her life, as well as for Susan and her granddaughter, Alicia. Their home turned out beautifully. Alice became a volunteer at St. Charles Medical Center in the gift shop. She was never one to sit at home. She also joined the Newcomer's Club, first to meet people, but later she became the President of that club. Alice also served as the President of her neighborhood association.
In 2003, Alice and John decided to move to Olympia, to be near their granddaughter, Alicia, and her family. Alice and John always had a special relationship with Alicia, who called them MauMau and PowPow. They bought a house in the same neighborhood and these last years were truly a blessing for both families.
Throughout her life, Alice had many friends. She was kind, fun, energetic, witty, loyal and generous. Alice and John loved to entertain and had many parties in their home. They were a comedy team performing for friends, and making silly home movies (ala Laugh-In). They loved to travel and went to Europe, Asia, Alaska, Mexico, the Panama Canal, the Holy Land, Canada, and Hawaii. They also enjoyed traveling in the car with Susan as a child across the U.S. Alice was not raised in a religious home, but as a young adult she began reading the bible and attending church. She came to know Jesus as her Savior and attended the Lutheran church.
Alice was predeceased by her parents; her brother, William; and her husband, John. Surviving relatives include: sister, Ernestine Grabast; brother, Edwin Cooper; daughter, Susan Knaver; granddaughters, Alicia (Bob) Liston; Nicole (Rich) Erdman; Lynell (Joe) Seabold; Kat Malstead; Laurie (Jeremy) Gentry; and great-grandchildren Andrew and Shelby Liston; Nicole, Randall, and Julianne Erdman; CJ, Corey, and Rachael Malovic; Hope Gentry; and others.
The family wishes to especially thank Alice's caregivers, Brittany and Mary; nurses Dani, June and Laura; Dr. Herring; and Pastor Gary Thomas.
At Alice's request, there will be no funeral service. A memorial will be planned at a later date.