Our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Alice A. Garvey, beloved wife of William (Bill) A. Garvey who passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on August 29. Alice was born on July 31, 1940, in New London, CT to Cpt. Carl Christian and Ingeborg Augusta Andersen, first generation Danish immigrants. She lived a life full of
laughter, travel, fun with her family and friends and a multitude of cats with names that started with the letter “P.”
Alice grew up in Noank, CT and was a proud graduate of the University of Connecticut and a huge UCONN women’s basketball fan. While in college, she worked at Electric Boat where her dad was the head rigger. She met her future husband, Bill, a USNA graduate while he was attending nuclear power school in Groton. They met watching the 1960 football “all-star” game, which was the champion NY Giants taking on a team of college players. A beer was asked for and procured—true love over beer and football. They married in September 1962 at the submarine base chapel in Groton with a rip-roaring reception that followed at her parents’ home in Noank. Bill’s naval career took them fromConnecticut to Hawaii and finally to Virginia Beach.
When Bill retired, they settled in Medford Lakes, New Jersey. Alice immediately became a valued member of the community, using her UCONN English degree as a substitute teacher and library aide. She was especially good at working with special needs children. She also volunteered to share her love of reading to illiterate adults. Medford Lakes was also a boon for the Garvey’s social life—they joined a float group, the Irregulars, and enjoyed the camaraderie of this merry band of friends. Canoe Carnival became another holiday in the Garvey household. Alice also became a member of Faith Presbyterian church, where she was a deacon for a number of years. She appreciated herfellow church member’s kindness throughout the years She also was a member of the Medford Lakes Garden Club and a Girl and Boy Scout leader. During the naval years, Alice provided recipes for the Naval Spouses charity cookbooks. These paper and hole punched cookbooks are time capsules and treasures.
Despite experiencing an unfair amount of health issues, Alice lived life with grace and humor. She could put together a summer gourmet BBQ with ease and nothing seemed to delight her more than being with friends and family. She is survived by her children Peter, Kathleen (Neil) and Heather (Tom) and her grandchildren Aoife, Gwynn, Conor, and
Sarah.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributing to the Medford Lakes Colony Camp Scholarship fun.
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