Alice Ivens, 88 / Nov. 18, 1922 — Dec. 8, 2010

Published 5:42 pm Thursday, December 16, 2010

Alice Lucille (Jackson) Ivens, 88, of Racine, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010.

Alice was born in Racine on Nov. 18, 1922 to the late Herbert and Hazel (nee Stewart) Jackson and was a longtime resident of Racine.

Alice was employed by St. Mary’s Hospital for 25 years, retiring in 1987. Family was very important to Alice. She dearly loved her family and was deeply loved and cherished by them. A graduate of Cassopolis High School, Alice could cut a rug with the best of them and was recognized by her classmates for her skilled Lindy Hop. Before returning to Racine in 1962, Alice was employed by Grace Hospital, Detroit.

Alice enjoyed spending time entertaining family and friends, music, dance, crocheting and knitting, especially when creating sweaters for her beloved pet, Ling Ling. She was always the life of the party and the hostess with the most-est.

Alice was a member of St. Richard’s Catholic Church. She was a strong, proud and intelligent woman, a decendent of one of the oldest African-American families in Racine. Alice was full of fun and mischief and brought much joy to all who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed.

Alice is survived by nephews, Stanley (Cynthia) Jackson, Michael (Susan) Monroe, Gregory Jackson and Alan Jackson; nieces, Hazel Bivens, Gloria Jean Noble, Sharron Blocker, Alice Vest, Valarie Deborah (Maceo) Alford, Suzanne (Woody) Farris and Kelly Steppe; special great-nephew, Christopher Monroe; sister-in-law, Viola Jackson; cousin, Irene Lee; dear friends, Debbie Cobb, Irene Allen and Cheryl Sumnicht; and a host of great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Howard Ivens; beloved sister, Marjorie Monroe; brothers, Robert Jackson, Jerome Jackson, Gilbert Jackson and Harold Jackson; nephews, Jerome Jackson Jr. and John Monroe; niece Karen Jackson; sisters-in-law Erin Jackson and Phyllis Taylor.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13 at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Ave. with the Rev. Ronald J. Gramza officiating.

Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery.

Relatives and friends met with the family Monday at the church at 10 a.m. until time of service.

The family wishes to extend a thank you for their kindness and care for Alice to Dr. Thomas Goodrich and staff, Dr. Michael Mullane and staff, Society’s Assets staff — especially Linda R., Lynette, Cindy, Renee, Deb, Christina and Maria; and also Hospice Alliance staff — especially Arevelon; and the entire Lincoln Village Convalescent Center staff.

Arrangements by Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, Racine.

Please send condolences to www.meredithfuneralhome.com.