Alice Alfonsi

A vibrant, tenderhearted, and gracious woman, Alice Alfonsi was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was a resilient and independent woman who faced whatever came her way with both grace and strength. It was easy to see that Alice and Frank were soul mates who just enjoyed being with one another. Her devotion to her children was unmatched, and she was thrilled to become a grandmother and great-grandmother later in life. Alice was filled with an unwavering faith, and it was her faith that was the compass she used to direct her steps. Deeply loved, she will never be forgotten.

It was great to be an American during the decade we commonly recall as the Roaring Twenties. Innovation was taking us to new places, and prosperity was the widespread result. This was the decade that witnessed the end of the silent film era while the lights of Broadway never shined brighter. It was just as this exciting time was dawning that Andrew and Katina Rousos were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Alexandra on February 5, 1921, in Detroit, Michigan.

As the youngest of five children in her family, Alexandra was raised in the family home alongside her older siblings, Tony, Ethel, Mary, and Chuck, and she was a young girl of her generation. It was after being teased by the school kids as a young girl in school that she started going by Alice since “Alex is a boys name.” She actually forged a letter from her mother to change her name to Alice, and she eventually had it changed legally. Alice’s father worked at Ford Motor Company when he first immigrated to the United States from Greece, but he later owned Popeye’s Restaurant, which is where Lafayette Coney Island is now. Her mother was a homemaker. Alice was the first in her family to graduate from high school at local schools. As a young woman she enjoyed dancing and frequented Walled Lake Casino and other dance clubs, often with her sister, Mary, with whom she was very close.

Life was forever changed for Alice when she was blessed with the births of two children, Barbara and Gary(Skipper). She devoted herself to doing whatever she could to provide them with a good life including working hard as a single mother. Alice was always a hard working person beginning as a young girl when she worked at her father’s restaurant. She also worked as a waitress behind the counter at Sanders Soda Fountain during her younger years. As an adult Alice worked for the City of Dearborn Heights for about 10 years and General Tire for about 10 years. She retired in her mid-fifties when she started dating Frank. Alice was an amazing mother who continuously set her own needs and desires aside for her children.

New and exciting days were in store for Alice when she became reunited with Frank Alfonsi whom she had met when she was just a young girl of 16 or 17. After being reunited as adults, they spent about ten years dating. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Alice and Frank were married at Unity Church in 1978. They were true soul mates who savored the time they had together. Alice loved going out on the boat and fishing with Frank, and together they were diehard Red Wings fans who were season ticket holders for years. In 1986, Alice was deeply saddened with Frank’s death.

Throughout her life, Alice was a bustle of activity. She traveled to Greece twice and was delighted to be welcomed by family members with open arms. Alice bought a mobile home in Venice, Florida, for both she and Frank to enjoy, but it was just a few months later that he died. She tried to sell it, but after having no luck Alice decided to live there herself. She ended up loving the Florida lifestyle and spent more than 20 years living there. Alice was an avid reader, primarily of inspirational books, and her books were always filled with plenty of handwritten notes. A longtime member of Unity Church, she also loved their resources including “A Course in Miracles.” While living in Florida, she enjoyed swimming and walking on the beach, and she also bowled for years. In addition to reading, Alice enjoyed journaling. She leaves behind boxes of journals that are filled with her thoughts. A dog lover, Alice had a collie and a sheltie as treasured companions.

All who knew Alice Alfonsi would agree that she was truly extraordinary. She was independent and strong with firm belief in the power of positive thinking. Alice had a great sense of humor, too, and loved saying quirky things like, “My short little legs won’t get me far.” Alice also had a zest for life was contagious. With a personal faith as her constant companion, Alice lived a life of purpose each day. She will be forever missed.

Alice Alfonsi died on March 5, 2016. Alice’s family includes her son, Gary (Mary); grandchildren, Bryan, Lauren (Tim), Danielle (Tom), Lynnette; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Anthony, and Lela; and great-great-grandchildren, Blake and Nicholas. V. Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and her daughter, Barbara. Visitation will be held on Monday 3-9 p.m. and Funeral Service Tuesday, 10 a.m. at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middlebelt and Merriman). Entombment St. Hedwig Cemetery. You mare share a memory, upload photos and sign the guest book at www.TurowskiLifeStory.com.