Alice Willits-Morino

Alice Evelyn Willits-Morino, 90, died Saturday, October 19, 2013.

Alice was at Providence Alaska Medical Center, with friends and family in and out throughout her final hours. She was surrounded by lots of love, noise, and commotion, as she spent most of her life.

Alice was born, at home, June 28,1923, to Fred and Alice Willits, in Blaine Washington, the youngest of five children the only daughter.

She graduated from Lynden High School in 1941, was part of the Rainbow Girls, where she learned the basic teachings of faith, hope and charity. She attended Western Washington College. During this time she worked as a live in nanny, and took college classes in the evenings.

Alice came to Kodiak, Alaska, in April of 1943 to assist her brother Fred and his wife Barbara with their baby girl "little" Alice.

Alice married Joe Morino three months later on July 19, 1943. Their first two sons were born there. They moved to Anchorage due to her husband's work with the Odom Company. Their first home was on D Street between 5th & 6th, their next three sons were born and the family then moved out to "the country" Tudor and Muldoon. This became the home Alice never wanted to leave. Another son, daughter and twin boys then came along. Her mother Alice also lived with the family during this time.

"Charity starts at home" was what she believed and her love came unconditionally. She considered her husband a "rink rat" and herself a "hockey widow". While Joe was out making hockey rinks, Alice was opening their home to the Priests and Nuns of the Catholic Church, the Sisters of Providence, families that were displaced due to different reasons. Throughout the years her home was home for strangers her husband or sons would send her way, and for her own children and their families. She was "Mom" to many of her children's friends and everyone was welcomed to Saturday night burgers, the table never too full.

Alice went to work for the Anchorage School District in 1970 as a cafeteria assistant then Manager, at Chester Valley Elementary School. She enjoyed being around the kids at the school as her house was getting quitter. During this time she took nutritional classes at UAA, and worked for three years with a cleaning company, cleaning businesses at night. She retired from the Anchorage School District in 1981.

Alice enjoyed traveling with Joe. One was a trip to Italy and Ireland. They both met members

of their families neither had ever met. She continued a correspondence relationship with them all, which she treasured. Some other favorite times were sitting in the kitchen of her old farm house, in Blaine Washington, having a cup of tea with good friends and family, and watching

Joe feed the cats and be a gentleman farmer.

The Family would like to thank all of those dear friends and family members who were there to wish Alice a Happy 90th Birthday in June this year. This was a perfect celebration for this beautiful, strong, gracious, loving women. She had such a great day and exclaimed "that was a wonderful party!"

Alice is preceded in death by husband Joe 81, February 15, 1996. Her Father; Mother; brothers, Dave, Tom, Jack & Fred. Son, John, 34, February 28, 1995; Grandson, Jason, 21, June 7, 1992.

Alice leaves behind, her sons Fred, wife Sheri; Tony ;Joe, wife Jodi; Bill, husband Stephen; Jim, wife Kathie; Mike, wife Beccie; Paul, wife Isabel and daughter Mary, husband Frank. Grandchildren, Tam; Amy & Rebecca; Joshua, Chelsea & Micah; Alec; Alissa, Spencer & Thomas; Beth, Ben, Ysalinna,& Ivy; Alice & Joseph. Great grandchildren, Isabella & Gavin; Anthony; Chloe & Jack; Austin, Lindy & Rowan.

At Alice's request there will be no services. Her ashes, along with her husband's and son's, will be spread over the waters between Vancouver and Victoria BC. This was a favorite ferry ride for Alice and Joe, they completed it together several times over the years.

Memorial Donations can be made to: Bailey-Boushay House 2727 E Madison St. Seattle, WA

98112 www.baley-boushay.org or 4 A's 1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 102 Anchorage AK

99503 www.alaskanaids.org