Alice Margaret Nielsen Shane

1954 - 2024

Alice Margaret Nielsen Shane was born in Fairbanks on March 21, 1954, and passed away at her home in Walden, New York, March 13, 2024, after a long illness. Alice was a unique and talented musician and performer, in Fairbanks as well as Los Angeles and various venues on the East Coast. She studied music at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and subsequently graduated from the renowned Dick Grove School of Music in Studio City, Los Angeles (now Dick Grove School Without Walls). It was one of the leading schools for instrumentalists and singers who wanted to work in Hollywood studios and jazz clubs.
Growing up, her parents Mark and Margaret Nielsen operated a service station and several small business in the College area, where they lived on Hess Avenue. The town of College was a different place than it is today, with just a few houses surrounded by many trees. She attended University Park Elementary, then Main Jr. High (now City Hall) and Lathrop High School. Alice and her family attended College Presbyterian Church, where she was baptized. Alice was named after an old family friend, Alice Mockler, who lived nearby.
Alice became well known locally for her lively performances at the Palace Saloon (then Alaskaland) where she was one of the original players. She also performed with many talented local musicians, here and in Anchorage.
Later Alice moved to Wilmington, North Carolina with her sister Cathy. While there, she met her husband of 35 years, Mark Shane, also a talented musician, who performs in New York City and internationally. They later settled in Walden, New York.
Alice was the organist and directed the choir at the local Episcopal Church in Walden, where she also taught music. Alice is survived by her husband, Mark Shane, of Walden; her sister, Cathy Ibsen, of Wilmington, North Carolina; and her two brothers, Dan and Mark Nielsen, and their families.
A memorial service will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the University Community Presbyterian Church. Music will be by Mark Shane as well as members of the Peace Choir. Please join us in celebrating Alice, our wonderful and talented friend.