Alice Maye Kowzic

When the white eagle of the North is flying overhead
The browns, reds and golds of autumn lie in the gutter, dead.
Remember then, that summer birds with wings of fire flaying
Came to witness springs new hope, born of leaves decaying.
Just as new life will come from death, love will come at leisure.
Love of love, love of life and giving without measure
Gives in return a wonderous yearn of a promise almost seen.
Live hand-in-hand and together we'll stand on the threshold of a dream.

-The Dream, Moody Blues

Alice Maye Kowzic (Gessner), age 84, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in Texarkana, Arkansas. Born on May 30, 1941, in Middleton, Ohio, Alice lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and the many communities she touched.

The daughter of Dr. Herbert and Mable Gessner, Alice was raised in a home grounded in faith. Her Father served as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Franklin, Ohio, and from an early age, Alice embraced a deep and abiding faith. She carried that devotion throughout her life, remaining a faithful patron of several churches and practicing at home. She shared her faith with her children and grandchildren. One of her most cherished traditions was singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus every Christmas with her family.

Alice shared 65 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Edward Peter Kowzic. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work and love. For many years, they ran the Kowzic Diner in Massachusetts. Later, Alice worked as a pest control specialist for the Kowzic Family Company alongside her loved ones, always contributing with diligence and good humor.

Beyond her professional life, Alice was a devoted caregiver to her children, grandchildren, and those fortunate enough to know her.

She is survived by her husband Edward, daughter Helen Santos, daughter Julie Doane and her husband Kevin Doane, and son Stanley Kowzic and his wife Shandi Kowzic. Her eleven grandchildren, Sarah, Greg, Abigail, Eddy, James, Katherine, Briana, Kason, Kloe, and Maddox, and her ten beautiful great-grandchildren. Her niece Marty Lynch also held a special place in her heart.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Mable Gessner; her sister, Marilyn Mitchell; her son, James "Jimmy" Kowzic; and her cherished fur companions, Happy, Lele, and Prince.

Those who knew Alice will remember her as a radiant presence, warm-hearted, funny, and unafraid to speak her mind. She could make people laugh and feel at ease. Whether through grand gestures or simple acts of kindness, like always having gum in her purse for her grandchildren, or visiting a friend in need. She brought joy wherever she went.

Alice was a passionate gardener and animal lover throughout her life. Two of her beloved pastimes were volunteering with her church and at the Runnin WJ Ranch. In later years, she could often be seen walking the grounds of her Arkansas property with Prince by her side and a small revolver on her hip.

Alice's legacy is one of faith, laughter, resilience, and love. She touched countless lives as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and always as herself.

The family will be holding a private memorial to honor Alice's life.

May the memory of Alice Maye Kowzic bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Instead of flowers, her family is asking for donations to Runnin WJ Ranch in Alice's Honor.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)