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Alice Andrews Obituary
Our mom was the fourth of five children born to Alice (Matos) and Joseph Varella, growing up in the New London area and graduating with the Class of 1954 from the Williams School.
Our mom loved to dance and have a good time. That is where she met her love of 53 years, George Andrews, at a USO dance. They both hit it off dancing and mixing it up. They married on Sept. 22, 1962. They were the proud parents of children, Mark, Marla and Michael.
Our mom was always dedicated to education. She worked for many years both at the local high school as a teacher's aide and at the elementary school as well. In the late 1980s she chose a career change and began working at the City of Groton Utilities Division as a customer service representative. She assisted in billing and serving the residents of Groton. She was always a vocal participant in the union and believed in fair pay and time for her fellow union members.
Our mom always had a love for family; she decided to retire in 1992, and become a full-time Nana and along with Pops spent time with her loving grandchildren. Our mom was always active in town/city elections. She would always volunteer to spend a day standing her post at the voting machines. She also enjoyed going to Work Out World, where she would attend their spinning classes. She volunteered for many years with the local Boys Scouts.
Our mom was predeceased by her oldest son, Mark A. Andrews; her sister, Lorraine Martin; and two brothers, Eli and Frank Varella.
She is survived by her husband, George; daughter, Marla Andrews-Parker and her husband, Scott, of Gales Ferry; son, Michael Andrews and his wife, Laura Kokoska, of Niantic; daughter-in-law, Denise Andrews Brower and her husband, Alan; sister, Mary Gomes; four grandchildren, Tyler and Mackenzie Andrews, Lisa Allen and Ryan Lewis; and two great-grandchildren, Dylan and James Allen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Center for Hospice Care, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A celebration of her life will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memories and online condolences may be shared with the Andrews family at www.neilanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alice Andrews
Lynn Miner
December 1, 2019
12/1 Alice is and always will be in my thoughts ...we shared a special friendship for many years .
Ron And Audrey Renski
December 11, 2015
Dear Buddy, Marla, Michael and Family,
Audrey and I want to over our sincerest condolences on the passing of Alice. We have fond memories of the many Fourth of July picnics we attended at their house. She, along with Buddy, were always the consummate hosts. Making sure everything was just perfect. Alice always had a smile on her face and all her foods were prepared to perfection. She be missed by all who were lucky enough to have her for a friend. May she rest in peace.
With Deep Sorrow,
Ron and Audrey
(-=< Ray Hamilton >=-)
December 17, 2015
Dear Buddy, Marla, Mike, and the broad circle of Alice's Family and Friends,
Been a lot of yearsand I have wonderful memories of Alice, as an inimitable hostess and cook, who wore a beautiful soul right out front for everyone to see, and was the glue that held y'all together! My sympathy is tenderly deep and sincere.
Understanding the hole left behind, regardless the inevitability or forewarning, pray this helps some wee bit...to allow...enablethe grief, which is a sad, but necessary part of loss! Too, however, it is a measure of the loving impact this life had on yours. Trust that now she's at peace with our Lorddefinitely keepin' y'all in my prayers!
When my mother died, even after a years-long battle with cancer, I was shattered by the lossinconsolableshe was my mentor! I like to think that I got my character from my father, but my mind and its capacity from m'dear sainted mother!!! BUT, "If your faith assures you she's in heaven, then what are the tears all about?!?" I hold eternity dearly close...a cherished, hard-won prize...but, in the interim, that answer lies below.
SELFISH TEARS
(I Eulogize My Beloved Mother - March, 1989)
Today we cry...must admit they're selfish tears.
You see...our faith assures your journey's done.
But it's not for you we mourn, at all, my dear;
It's for those of us you've left behind...alone!!!
We share your joy...share your happiness at rest,
Your painful fears now for forever stilled.
You've fought the good fight, passed the final test,
But you've left behind a hole that can't be filled!!!
So, until we each rejoin you some someday,
And, while your memory buoys us through those years,
We'll miss you...but continue on our way,
And, from time to time, we'll cry our selfish tears!!!
Ray Hamilton (C) March 19, 1989
My sincerest condolences and prayers,
Gary Kogut
December 15, 2015
Mrs. Andrews,
Three towns away and yet you still packed the house. The funeral home was standing room only to say goodbye to an incredible woman.
Mrs. Andrews you will forever be a part of my life. Forty eight years ago I first heard your voice... Goes so fast.
Rest in peace.
December 12, 2015
Omg mom, you haven't been gone a week yet and I miss you like crazy, seeing your face here really comforts me. I no I have your blood running thru my veins and I have to be strong but sometimes I'm not. I just want to say everything that happened in the last month of me taking care of you was all my thank you's to you for being such a great mom to me. Thank you for not giving up on me, it took a while but that's ok, I made it. You are in real good company up there and I no they are all so happy you got promoted, stay close to me mom, I will be waiting for a sign from you. I Love You Mom your #1 daughter Marla P.S. Give Mark and Grandma a kiss from me
December 11, 2015
Marla and family,
So very sorry for your loss, I hope you find comfort knowing that she is with Mark now.
Mary Rainy
Donald Deane
December 11, 2015
Rest in peace Alice George so sorry for your loss please except my condolences.
Joanne Sandora Montali
December 11, 2015
Buddy, Michael and Marla, thinking of you all at this time. Alice and I had some good laughs together. Now she is with Mark.
December 10, 2015
Although I had only met Alice in March of 2015 at the Groton Municipal Employees Federal Credit, she was such a pleasure to see each and every time she walked through the door. May you find peach as you remember the kind heart that Alice carried around with her. I will miss her dearly. Etta Gay Nelson
Michelle Renski
December 10, 2015
Mr Andrews, Marla, My dear friend Michael and families, where do I begin. ...our families have so much history and I will always cherish all the memories and I hold them close to my heart. Mrs. ANDREWS I always considered you as a second mother I will miss you dearly, cottage st will never be the same without you. ...there are so many things I could say but the one thing that comes to mind is LOVE !!you had a special love for your family and friends! !I am comforted by knowing your with Mark now and you will always be with all of us through the power of the holy spirit! !I send heartfelt sympathy and love to the Andrews family Rest in Peace Mrs. Andrews and give my dad a big hug for me!! Until we all meet again. ..GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY
Lynda Fazi
December 10, 2015
Buddy Marla Michael and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Alice was one of a kind. Wonderful Wife Mother and Friend. She was the strongest woman I have ever known and she will be truly missed by all.
Rest In peace Dear Alice. Love your sister-in-law Lynda Fazi
December 10, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Maureen Cunningham Mike and Laura Cain
December 10, 2015
The loss of your mother is the hardest ordeal a person goes through. Our hearts go out to Marla and her family at this difficult time. We didn't know Alice well but we know and love Marla very much. She is a wonderful girl and that is a direct reflection on her mother. God rest your soul Alice and we know our mother's will watch out for you in heaven.
Our deepest sympathy
Aunt Maureen, Mike and Laura
Lori Renski Burton
December 9, 2015
The Andrews family and the Renski family have been close for many decades. We were all like the same family. I grew up with Mark, Marla, and Michael and will always cherish all the fun times that our families had. I have always had the utmost respect and love for you Mrs. Andrews. You will be dearly missed. The Renski families will love and support yours during this difficult time. You fought a hard fight and impressed all your doctors. Now it's time for you to rest in peace and have no pain. Enjoy Heaven and everyone that has gone ahead of you. Please give my dad a hug for me. Until we meet again...
Ellen Renski
December 9, 2015
We shared so many great times....trips, dinners, shopping, raising our children. We are family. Life will be so different without you. Sending love and prayers to the family. Rest in Peace dear Alice
Valentino Fazi
December 9, 2015
Alice is the strongest woman I've ever met. She battled her illness with a positive attitude and fought it off for years. She was an inspiration to me and everyone around her. Alice and Buddy (George) took a bite out of life and made every single day count. There is no one person anywhere whom I respected more then Alice Andrews. She loved her family unconditionally and never refused to help a kid out by taking them in. Alice and Buddy's 4th of July cookouts will be a memory that I will remember always. Alice I prey you are at peace with Mark. Buddy will be in good hands here......Rest in peace Alice....Lynda and I will miss you dearly.
Eastern Point Beach at Dusk
Carmen White
December 9, 2015
To my Sister-in-Law Alice,
This dreaded day has come, I still can't believe it. You battled this for so long and so hard. Jim and I take comfort in knowing that you're no longer suffering. Knowing you're now in the loving arms of your mother and father, your sister, brothers, and most of all, your wonderful son Mark is the only thing that helps me at a time like this. I am in awe of the strength you showed through your horrific ordeal. You are one of the strongest women I will ever know.
Alice I am so sorry that my dumb accident has kept me from visiting you, and now being able to celebrate your life tonight. I feel so bad about this. Please know that I have always, and will be thinking of you.
Alice when you see my mom and dad, please give them a kiss for me. Tell them I miss them terribly still.
I love you Alice, and I promise to be there for my big brother Buddy. I know we will all be together again, and when that days comes...Look Out Heaven!!
Your Sister-in-Law...
Harold & Betsy Moreash
December 9, 2015
Alice was one of those people that you feel welcomed around as a stranger in the crowd. We'll miss her smiling face.
Dennis and Lisa Parker
December 9, 2015
Alice had an unparalleled commitment to her family and friends. She was a true cancer warrior. A super Mom, Grandmother and a super Lady. Prayers, peace and love for Alice and all the loved ones she leaves behind. Gods Speed Alice !!
Michael Andrews
December 9, 2015
Mom.....you didn't really want to leave, but GOD and all those who left had other plans for you. I did tell you that Dad, Marla & I will be fine & Marla & I will keep tabs on Dad.
You fought a long and courageous fight but it's time to rest. I know in my heart we will meet again.
Give Mark, Grandma & Gramps a big hug for me.
Love You
Michael
(-=< Ray Hamilton >=-)
December 9, 2015
Dear Buddy, Marla, Mike, and the broad circle of Alice's Family and Friends,
Been a lot of years much has changed some of it unfortunate but I want you to know the love I had for your family when I was part of it was and is genuine. I regret much of the pain I left in my wake, but I do not regret the wonderful memories that included y'all! My sympathy is tenderly deep and sincere.
Understanding the hole left behind, regardless the inevitability or forewarning, pray this helps some wee bit...to allow...enable the grief, which is a sad, but necessary part of loss! Too, however, it is a measure of the loving impact this life had on yours. Trust that now she's at peace with our Lord definitely keepin' y'all in my prayers!
When my mother died, even after a years-long battle with cancer, I was shattered by the loss inconsolableshe was my mentor! I like to think that I got my character from my father, but my mind and its capacity from m'dear sainted mother!!! BUT, "If your faith assures you she's in heaven, then what are the tears all about?!?" I hold eternity dearly close...a cherished, hard-won prize...but, in the interim, that answer lies below.
SELFISH TEARS
(I Eulogize My Beloved Mother - March, 1989)
Today we cry...must admit they're selfish tears.
You see...our faith assures your journey's done.
But it's not for you we mourn, at all, my dear;
It's for those of us you've left behind...alone!!!
We share your joy...share your happiness at rest,
Your painful fears now for forever stilled.
You've fought the good fight, passed the final test,
But you've left behind a hole that can't be filled!!!
So, until we each rejoin you some someday,
And, while your memory buoys us through those years,
We'll miss you...but continue on our way,
And, from time to time, we'll cry our selfish tears!!!
Ray Hamilton (C) March 19, 1989
My sincerest condolences and prayers,
Vivian Beebe
December 9, 2015
The Staff at North End will miss her smile! Always classy, Always smiling! Always a lady! Rest Well, Ms Alice!
December 9, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Andrews family,
Marilyn and Jerry Rubin
Lynn Miner
December 9, 2015
My dearest friend of many years...we shared so much. I shed tears as do so many that loved Alice. Rest in peace Angel.
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