Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Alice Haines

August 28, 1921 - February 4, 2011
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Tuesday, February 8, 2011
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Service

Wednesday, February 9, 2011
11:00 AM EST
St. Monica Catholic Church
4408 South Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 345-4389

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

St. Monica Catholic Church - Mass Offerings
4408 South Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 345-4389

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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There was much to love and appreciate about Alice Haines. An endearing woman with a caring heart and wonderful sense of humor, everyone found joy in her company. Having endured some of life’s hardships and struggles, she was realistic about the realities of life which only proved to strengthen her heart and in turn, offer a love all her own. A lady who loved to be loved, her greatest pleasure was being surrounded by those who meant so much to her. From the sight and smell of beautiful lilies and roses which she included as her favorites to the love she had for dogs, love was a natural part of Alice’s endearing nature.

From the world of fashion to the world to politics, forces clashed in the 1920s to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions of the day which greatly improved the American way of life. A sense of gaiety filled the air, and The Roaring Twenties challenged America’s once conservative nature all while bringing a sense of hope to the nation. It was during this time of change when a young couple from St. Joseph, Michigan was anticipating the arrival of a new child in their lives. On August 28, 1921, Stephen and Alice (Dow) Lynch welcomed the birth of their daughter, Alice into their hearts.

Having grown up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Alice was one of eight children in the Lynch household which included her brothers, Stephen and Joseph. Along with her five sisters, Catherine, Mary Lou, Patricia, Maggie and Barbara, their home proved to be bustling with activity at times where the older children frequently helped out with the younger siblings. Although already providing for such a large family was indeed difficult, Alice’s family faced times of great hardship when she was about 12 years old. Not only did the effects of the Great Depression strike her family, but the death of her father left her mother with children to raise on her own.

Amidst these challenging times, Alice grew into a strong young woman who throughout life faced the many realities that came her way. She attended the area schools before acquiring various jobs which eventually landed her a position at the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company. She loved her job there as a secretary and made many, lifelong friends throughout her 27 years with the company. She later went on to retire from Upjohn’s International Division in 1981.

One of the things that brought Alice joy was being surrounded by her many friends. She loved socializing and was involved in many activities which made her life enjoyable. While at Upjohn she bowled often and was a big bridge player over the years. She also spent great times golfing and experienced much travel throughout the United States. In her quiet time, she enjoyed knitting, but it wasn’t until Alice was in her late thirties did she find lasting love in her life.

The years ahead filled Alice’s heart with great love after a mutual friend introduced her to a gentleman several years her senior named Jack Haines. A purchasing agent for a local paper company, Jack was everything Alice could have asked for, and more. After falling deeply in love, they were happily married on June 11, 1960 in what would be the beginning of many good years together. With her great love for dogs and although she never had children to call her own, Alice especially loved her schnauzer, Frenchi whom she loved like a child. A friend to many, she always fostered wonderful friendships wherever she went. Together she and Jack shared a love for people and enjoyed a sociable lifestyle surrounded by many great friends. With Alice’s endearing nature and great sense of humor, they enjoyed membership with the Beacon Club and the Elk’s Lodge where they were involved in many activities.

As a longtime member of St. Monica Catholic Church, Alice’s faith and religion was very important to her. It kept her strong and she found added strength in praying the Rosary and by faithfully attending Mass each Sunday. When her beloved Jack sadly died on September 12, 1983, Alice was heartbroken but through the support of friends and family she carried on. Throughout her remaining years, Alice loved being known as Mrs. J.W. Haines and kept the love she had for Jack close to her heart. She loved him so and his memory remained so very special to her.

Although she always used her giving heart and supportive way for the benefit of others, in time she found one thing in particular that brought her heart great joy. She went on to complete training in a visitation ministry and in 1988 became a pastoral care volunteer at Borgess Medical Center. Through this ministry Alice was able to use her own experiences, strength, faith and caring nature as a source of comfort to others.

In her early seventies Alice realized her home was more than she could handle on her own. She made the decision to move to Friendship Village in 2002 and her time there filled her remaining years with the blessing of even more wonderful friendships. Never one to hesitate in making connections with those around her, Alice simply loved to be loved and reveled in this positive aspect of all that life brought her way. She enjoyed a glorious 89th birthday party at Outback Steakhouse celebrated with family and friends. Surrounded by those who meant so much to her and with her “Walla-B-Darn” drink in hand, of which she also loved, the day brought her much happiness.

Alice was a very private woman when it came to her health issues but her mind remained clear and sharp right up until the last of her days. When her health began to quickly deteriorate over the last several weeks, those around Alice realized her remaining time was short. Surrounded by the love of many, Mrs. J.W. Haines died on Friday, February 4, 2011 at the age of 89. Sadly missed, her memory will bring warm remembrance to the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

Learn more about Alice, view her Life Story film, and share refreshments with her family and friends on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 5–7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 11:00 AM at St. Monica Catholic Church, 4408 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo. Alice is survived by her brother, Stephen Lynch; four sisters: Mary Lou Mateer, Patricia King, Maggie Malarney, and Barbara Nelson; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” Haines; sister, Catherine Day; brother, Joseph Lynch. Please visit Alice’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to St. Monica Catholic Church for mass offerings.

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