Alice Corpstein

Alice Philomena (Daly) Corpstein died peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, at age 91.

Alice was born on March 26, 1934, in Hempstead, New York, to Alice Regina and Bartholomew Joseph Daly II, and was raised in Garden City, New York. She was the second youngest of six siblings. She was named "Best Natured" in the Yearbook of Garden City High School. She later graduated from New York State Teachers College at Cortland (now State University of New York at Cortland).

After college, Alice followed several siblings as they moved west. She initially taught at Wilson Grammar School in Phoenix but later left to become a flight attendant with Bonanza Airlines. Two years later, Alice returned to teaching second graders in Scottsdale.

In March 1961, mutual friends introduced Alice to native Arizonan Peter J. Corpstein, an owner of the Valley Lumber Company and Valley Seed Company. The couple married in July 1961 and had two children. In 1973, with Alice's help and support, Pete was elected to the Arizona Legislature. He served 18 years in the Arizona House and Senate, as well as one term as Maricopa County Assessor.

Alongside supporting her husband's political and government work, Alice founded her touring company, "Windows of the West," and her lecture company, "Smoke Signals." Her expertise was in Native American art of the Southwest and Arizona history. She offered educational lectures and led tours mainly in Arizona, later expanding to guide throughout the western United States and around New England. Around 1987, Governor Rose Mofford appointed Alice to the Arizona Tourism Advisory Council, where she focused on establishing Welcome Centers across the state.

Over the years, Alice volunteered with the Phoenix Zoo Guild, was an active docent at the Heard Museum, led public walking tours of Old Town Scottsdale, and volunteered at the Scottsdale Historical Museum and Scottsdale Little Red School House. She also supported St. Luke's Medical Center. Alice enjoyed her memberships at the Valley Field and Riding Club and the Phoenix Country Club. Husband Pete shared her passion for Native American art and the Southwest, and together they explored Arizona extensively. They cherished memorable moments with friends and family at their cabin in Christopher Creek and later at a cabin in Flagstaff. In later years, they traveled widely to international destinations and enjoyed visits with her siblings and extended family across the United States.

Alice's Catholic faith was important to her. In her later years as a parishioner, she enjoyed being part of St. Patrick Catholic Community in Scottsdale. Before that, she was active with St. Joseph's in Phoenix, where she regularly staffed the adoration chapel and taught Sunday School.

Her children remember Alice as a kind, supportive, loving mother with a strong character who encouraged them to pursue their goals and embrace their individuality. She pursued lifelong learning and travel, inspiring her husband, children, and grandchildren to do the same. She was the family's main cheerleader and party planner, and loved celebrating life's special moments. She was very down-to-earth but always dressed to impress. She always had a smile for everyone and maintained a positive, faith-inspired outlook on life.

Alice is survived by her daughter, Joanne Corpstein MacDonnell (Philip); her son, Peter Joseph Corpstein Jr. (Mindy); grandchildren Elizabeth MacDonnell Gaona (Alex), John MacDonnell (Emily), and Kate Corpstein; great-granddaughter Eloise MacDonnell; brother John Thomas Daly; sisters-in-law Clarene Daly and Bettye Daly; and numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter J. Corpstein; parents, Bartholomew Joseph Daly II Jr. and Alice Regina McCarthy of Phoenix; her sisters Rita Northness, Eileen D. Hanley, and Carol A. Fulton; her brother, Bartholomew J. Daly; and her brothers-in-law Kenneth A. Northness, James J. Hanley, and George A. Fulton.

The visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:45 pm at Messenger Mortuary, located at 7601 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the St. Patrick Catholic Community Chapel, 10815 N. 84th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85260. A reception will follow at Mountain Shadows of Paradise Valley. Alice will be laid to rest on March 19, 2026, at 10:30 am at Paradise Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, 9300 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ.

Donations in honor of Alice can be made to Neighborhood Ministries, 1918 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85009. The family sincerely thanks caregivers at Sagewood Senior Living, Savior Hospice, and Dr. Ken Kearns for their kindness, care, and dedication.