Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
KENTON, Mich. — Alice Marie Mackey passed away peacefully the morning of Dec. 14, 2020. She was born Nov. 13, 1938, to Jack and Signe Urpila in Phelps, Wisconsin. She lived in Kenton for most of her life, other than early childhood in Chelsea, and a year working in Detroit after graduating from Ewen High School in 1956.
Alice was a dedicated reader — loved her books! She enjoyed hobbies of knitting, crocheting and jigsaw puzzles, along with owning and riding horses.
She was the No. 1 fan of family sports — from Donny’s baseball and softball to all of her children’s and grandchildren’s many games and matches. Alice cheered loudly and proudly, no matter win or lose, drove hundreds of miles supporting “her” teams!
Alice also loved to drive, always had room in the car for another child. She never turned down a request for a ride home from a school event, was “Mom” and “Grandma” to two generations of boys and girls.
Alice served on the Duncan Township and SONCO Ambulance boards, Kenton-Sidnaw Historical Society, and was a proud member of the Red Hat Society.
In addition to raising her family, Alice held a variety of jobs including at Toumey Nursery, independent sales of Tupperware, Avon and Sara Coventry jewelry; at Coleman building wiring harnesses, then driving bus for E-TC Schools.
Alice is survived by Donald, her loving husband of 62 years; children, Sandy (James) Chamberlain of Haslett, Susan (Ed) Kurz of Bradenton, Florida, Dennis (Andrea) Mackey of Ironwood, and Sherri (Scott) Norback of Argonne, Wisconsin; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Alan (Dana) Mackey, Reese and Qynn of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Tracey, Trevor Kurz of Bradenton, Florida, Chase Sizemore, Samantha and (Josh) Jezeski of Crandon, Wisconsin, Caitlin (Michael) Pawlak, Nora, Millie, and Will of Golden Valley, Minnesota, Jesse Mackey, Kyree Clark of Ironwood, and Adam Mackey of Ironwood.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Gordon Urpila.
Alice was a tough, opinionated woman, who had a kind heart. We will miss her and also grateful she is now at peace — out of pain.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family is planning a graveside service at the Kenton Cemetery in the spring.
Cane Funeral Home-Bruce Crossing Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
