Alice Marie Rhoads

1950 - 2018

Alice Marie Rhoads, age 65, died on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at home in New Orleans, surrounded by loved ones. Born on September 21, 1950 on Kerlerec Street in the Faubourg Marigny to Patricia Ruth Cope, whose tough exterior belied a heart of gold, and James Birks Cope, an engineer with the Merchant Marine from whom Alice loved to hear tales of faraway ports of call. As a child, her family moved to Dallas, where she played clarinet in the high school band and developed a slight Texas drawl which later caused friends to fondly call her "Alice from Dallas." She returned to New Orleans to attend UNO while working full-time, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. She worked first as social worker and in 1977 became the first female sales representative, and then the first sales manager, for a major commercial waste disposal company. Alice - and her radiant, infectious smile - was a joy to all who knew her, a selfless soul who loved nothing more than helping others. She will be sorely missed by her beloved husband of 36 years, Fred; son, Sean; brother, Tim; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Garden of Memories, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie on Friday, April 27th from 9 to 11am. Services will follow in the funeral home chapel. The family would like to thank Passages Hospice, in particular Shannon and Kaci, for their superlative care during Alice's illness. Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.