September 28th, 1934 – July 26th, 2016
Alice was born in Broadview, Saskatchewan and lived in many places over the years; Enderby in her youth, then married Al and in true air force style, then lived in Winnipeg, Quebec City, Germany, 3 places in the Lower Mainland and finally retiring in Vernon.
The most important thing to Alice was family. She was a beloved mother, a stoic friend and a survivor of some hard times. Alice was a person with an incredible memory for details from years gone by, plus always had an ear to listen and the wisdom to give some great advice. Her most treasured quality was her ability to maintain a positive, spirited attitude despite 30 years with MS. She was an inspiration to us all as she offered us a chance to see the epitome of how to handle a debilitating disease with grace, a smile and a positive attitude.
Predeceased by her beloved parents, Jens and Bertine Birkelund, brother Paul, Uncle Hans Fredericksen (all of Enderby), husband Alfred known as Al, and young daughter Melanie, Alice has now gone to join them. She leaves behind a huge legacy of family: daughters, Lori Schmid (Chris) of Alexis Creek and Cari Taylor (Henning) of Victoria; sisters, Mary Field (Stan) and Judy Armstrong (Marty) all of Vernon; many nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren from all over Canada and Denmark.
Alice spent her last 10 years at Heron Grove and the staff there loved and respected her. Dr. Ron Long managed her care. The family is so grateful for the way she was looked after. Everyone should be so lucky.
Our hearts are heavy but our minds are filled with joy as we all got to witness strength and grace personified. All our worlds are a better place today because Alice Taylor walked there.
An expression of sympathy may also be made to the MS Society, or the family will be putting up a memorial bench at Heron Grove in her honor so a donation could also be made to Good Samaritan Society, 4900 - 20th Street , Vernon, BC, V1T 9W3 - designated for Alice Taylor Memorial Bench.
Celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 27th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home in Vernon. All are welcome.
Arrangements have been entrusted to PLEASANT VALLEY DIGNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4303 P.V. Road, Vernon, B.C. V1T 4M4. Phone: (250) 542-4333. Condolences may be offered at pleasantvalleyfh.com