Alice Mae Etchart

1931 - 2017

Etchart, Alice Mae "Penny"
86 of Litchfield Park, Az, passed away on October 24, 2017. She was born August 24, 1931 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to William and Alice Currie. As a child, Penny (nicknamed for her bright red hair), moved with her family to Ontario California. It was there that she met her future husband, Ferdinand. In 1960, the couple moved their growing family to Arizona and settled in Litchfield Park. With the support of his wife, Ferdinand established Everkrisp Vegetables (located in Tolleson, Az). Today the company is run by their sons, daughter, grandsons, and granddaughter. Penny was a talented painter of florals and desert landscapes. She showcased her artwork in the '70's and 80's on the walls of the historic Wigwam hotel and sold paintings to guests from around the world. An avid traveler of the world, Penny's destinations included China and Peru. But her favorite place to visit was London, England and the surrounding countryside. Penny loved to sing and for years performed as a soloist at her church as well as singing with the west-side chorale group, the CAS-Illons. A naturally happy person, at home Penny was always humming or singing a tune. She loved people and possessed the "gift" of gab. But above everything else, Penny prized family and throughout her life continued to hold dinners in her home to bring together her boisterous clan in joyful gatherings. Penny was preceded in death by her husband, Ferdinand Jean Etchart. She is survived by daughter Alicia (Sammy) Patterson, sons Mathieu (Nancy), Martin, Michael (Sue), and Miles (Betsy). Grandchildren Abigail (Andrew) Fraser, Andrew (Sophie) Etchart, Michael Etchart, Samantha Etchart, Katie Etchart, Maggie Etchart, Emilie Etchart, Ginger Patterson, Caleb Patterson, Malcolm Etchart, and Griffin Etchart. Great grandchildren Frances Fraser, Theodore Fraser, and Cody Etchart. A funeral Mass will be celebrated November 10, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 13720 W. Thomas Rd, Avondale, Az 86392. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Grandma, we carry your heart with us – we carry it in our hearts. Condolences and words of comfort may be shared at www.menkefuneralhome.com