Obituary for Alice Garand

Alice M. Garand
1931 - 2018

Alice Marie Garand (née Connolly), 86, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully in her home March 22, 2018 due to multiple illnesses. Her love and devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. She remained a brave, iron-willed woman, even throughout her final months.
Alice was born into a big Irish family on September 23, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to Edward and Alice (Lally) Connolly. She was the eldest daughter of their eight children. She grew up in Chicago, attended Our Lady of Peace grade school, and graduated top of her class from Aquinas Dominican High School.

Through an aunt in Ohio she met her husband, Robert Garand, and they were married in a double wedding ceremony with her brother John and his wife Judy, on September 1, 1956.  After marriage, they moved to Bob’s hometown of Toledo, Ohio, where she had her eight children in eight years! In 1967, they moved back to Illinois, settling in Tinley Park to raise their family.

Alice had a long career as an administrative assistant to the Nursing Director of Oak Forest Hospital. She faithfully and dutifully committed many years before retiring to Tucson, Arizona, where her three daughters were living.
Her first home in Tucson was centrally located with a large pool, so she could carry on with her favorite pastime - entertaining! She loved having her grandchildren, children and other family and friends over for countless pool parties, dinner parties and holiday gatherings. Alice took pride in caring for her home and yard but eventually moved on to their beautiful retirement home in Oro Valley. There she continued her entertaining legacy and in addition to all the family dinners, she loved hosting “happy hours” to their many new friends in the community.

Alice had a lively spirit. She was a fun-loving person with a great sense of humor. She loved dancing, camping with their KOA group and going to movies. She enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles and watching game shows. She lived her life by four F’s; Faith, Family, Food & Fun. (Maybe not in that order)!

You always knew where you stood with Alice because she had a "tell it like it is" mentality.  She didn't sugar coat anything and she wasn't afraid to say what she felt. That could be good or bad depending on where you were on the spectrum, but those lucky enough to be her life-long friends knew of her love and loyalty to them.

We thank her for the values she instilled in us, her work ethic, her tenacity, wit, and undying love for all her children. And may we always remember her ever-present smile and the way her face lit up upon seeing her family and friends.
Alice was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Robert Garand, only 5 months ago. She was also predeceased by her parents, her brothers; Edward, John and Joe, and her sister Irene. She is survived by her eight children; Rob (Barb), Teri, Mick (Julie), Mary, John (Sue), Jim/Bert (Susie), Carol and Chris (Val), 19 grandchildren; Rory (V), Alicia, Emmy, Gina, Colin, Duncan, Cassidy, Chase, Marc, Mike (Rosanna), Matt, Molly, Megan, Mackenzie, Maggie, Rylee, Jimmy, Michael and Adam,  1 great grandchild; Erin, her brother; Walter (Ann), her sisters; Therese and Kathy (Bob), and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Due to the devotion of her caregivers and the Hospice team of Casa de la Luz, Alice was fortunate enough to have her wish of staying in her home until the end. It brought her so much joy to be able to look out her windows and not only see the outside action, but also to gaze upon her beloved grapefruit tree and beautiful back patio.

A memorial Mass and celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at St. Mark Catholic Church, 2727 W. Tangerine Road, Oro Valley, AZ. Alice requested to be cremated, so her ashes (along with her husband Bob’s) will be interred at Holy Hope Cemetery immediately following the church service. A reception at daughter Mary's house will follow.  Family and friends of the deceased are welcome.

Alice opened her heart and her home to so many over the years and she will be sorely missed.