Alice S. Chaney
Mar 22, 1933 -
Feb 22, 2022
Our mom, Alice S. Chaney, first grade teacher to many, passed away of natural causes at her home in Anchorage, Alaska, where she had shared many wonderful memories with our dad. In true Mom fashion, she passed away not on just any day, but on 22/02/22.
On March 22, 1933, she was born to young nursing student, Gwendolyn Shaffer. She was adopted by Gwendolyn's parents, Maude and Norman Shaffer, but sadly before Mom turned 6 they both passed away. She was then adopted by her biological uncle, Dr. Marion Shaffer and his wife Grace. They ensured that her biological mother was always included in her life. Mom felt blessed that her family put so much effort into keeping her in the family, as it was a very different time.
Mom had a crush on our dad dating back to Youth Fellowship, but Dad was two years older and paid her no attention. In 1954, she got his attention and captured his heart by writing to him when he was serving in the Air Force. When he returned home she met him at the train station and they were married six months later.
As a child, Mom was captivated by the tales of Alaska as told by her uncle Harry, who served on the USS Bear in the early 1900s. In 1959, Mom and Dad arrived with their children Rebecca and David, fulfilling their dream of becoming teachers in bush Alaska. They taught in Old Harbor, Ouzinkie - where they experienced the 1964 earthquake/tsunami and learned to make the family favorite Pirok - Egegik, Manokotak - where they were pioneers in the integration of bilingual education - and Adak. In the early Alaska years, daughters Mary Ann and Melissa were born. Mom and Dad loved teaching adult education in Manokotak. Our family enjoyed and embraced every aspect of our old time bush Alaska life.
In 1974, our parents moved to U.S. Naval Station Adak Island. There, mom enjoyed square dancing, racquetball, swimming and all that "big city life" offered. She attended church services in the chapel, where there was an alter that rotated with different religious symbols for different faith services.
In 1983, our parents retired to Anchorage. They joined the First United Methodist Church. As church liaison, mom visited home bound members and people in the hospital, sent thousands of cards and prepared amazing bulletin boards for over 30 years. As a member of United Methodist Women, she helped facilitate the Christmas Brunch Auction, book sales, meal preparations, etc.
Mom was Worthy Matron in Eastern Star Denali Chapter 8. She was high priestess in Ladies Shrine Waheed Court 81. As a member of the Greeters for over 30 years she chaired their annual Christmas Bazaar, raising funds for the Shrine Children's Travel Fund.
One of mom's greatest joys was playing the piano for a myriad of organizations and her church.
As the ultimate social butterfly, Mom had lunch and/or dinner plans with beloved friends nearly every day.
Our parents enjoyed driving the Alcan multiple times, traveling to Germany for Oberammergau, Greece, Holland, Fiji and Australia. As children from a tiny farming village in Ohio, they were constantly in awe of the amazing things that they had experienced; they said their life adventures exceeded their expectations.
As their children, we are forever grateful for the opportunities that their adventurous spirit provided us.
Mom was preceded in death by the love of her life, Van, with whom she shared a marriage of over 60 years; daughter, Rebecca; parents; stepmother, Virginia; stepbrother, Johnny; and dearly loved dogs, Stubby, Dottie, Mookie, Sparky and Barney.
Alice is survived by her children, David, Mary Ann and Melissa; stepsister, Kay (Denny) Stephan; and stepbrother, Jim (Betsy) Kunkle.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Bethel Friends of Canines, Alaskan Animal Rescue friends or an animal rescue of your choice.
Her service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 725 West 9th Avenue; parking is behind the church. A reception will follow.
