Alice Marie McGee
Alice Marie McGee was born and raised in Clear Lake, Iowa along with her siblings, Larry (Sherry) Andersen and Lois (Bob) Riseling. Their parents Thelma and Harold (Andy) Andersen made, what Alice called, “their coolest decision ever,” when they bought a lake cabin and retired to a life of leisure and fishing on Lake Edna in Nisswa, MN.
After high school, Alice studied cosmetology in Mason City, Iowa and went on to a successful career as a beautician, salon manager, and instructor in Iowa City, Pequot Lakes, MN and Duluth, following her husband Bill McGee’s (deceased) career in computers. In her second marriage, she and her husband John were a team in the Headmaster’s office at Randolph School (Huntsville, AL) and Doane Academy (Burlington, NJ). After fifteen years at Doane Academy, where both they and the school flourished, John and Alice retired and moved to their small farm in Breezy Point, MN to be closer to family.
Alice died on Friday, July 26th at the age of 76, at home with her husband, John and daughter, Mandy at her side after a heroic thirteen year battle with blood cancer. Over the years, and especially the last several months, she was loved and supported by family and friends, coast to coast, including her children: Sean (Anna) McGee, Melanie (Joe) Dotty, Katie (Rob) McGee, Peter (Noraida) McGee, Mandy (Jon) McGee, and John (Tiffany) McGee and 14 grandchildren.
Alice will be remembered for her free spirit, humor, and good counsel to all who were fortunate to have her in their lives. She made an impact on people with her ability to listen, and in a few words, capture the heart of the matter.
A memorial Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd, MN on Friday, August 30th followed by a light lunch and remembrance in the church hall. Guests are welcome to attend either or both events. There will also be a livestream available on the St. Francis website. Additionally, this Fall, a Service of Remembrance will be held at the Doane Academy.
Alice made the inspiring decision to donate her body to the Mayo Clinic to help aid in continued research that will greatly benefit future patients. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Alice, please consider donating to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. philanthropy.mayoclinic.org (855) 852-8129 or Doctors Without Borders. “I will be grateful for this day.”
Alice M. McGee 3/10/48 - 7/26/24