Obituary of Alice Staten

Alice D. Staten, a woman dedicated to her community, church and family passed away on Wednesday morning, September 3, 2014 at the age of 92. Alice was born in Sussex County which was located in the southern coast of England. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was just a child. They eventually settled in the Village of Cherry Valley in the town of Leicester, MA. Alice had many wonderful memories of growing up in the town. After graduating from Leicester High School, Alice attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) for 2 years studying drafting and engineering. As a teenager, Alice met a young man named Fred Staten in her church youth group. They courted as teenagers, but then Fred enlisted in the Air Force to fight in World War II. At the end of the war, Fred returned to marry, Alice. With the war ending and most service men being discharged, Fred with Alice’s input chose to make the military a career. While most military wives dreaded the notion of constantly uprooting their family to go to the next assignment, Alice embraced the excitement of seeing the world, experiencing new cultures, and meeting a diverse group of people. Over Fred’s career, they had lived in California, Newfoundland, Massachusetts, Florida, and Japan. In 1968, Fred and Alice finally made permanent roots in Burlington. They still travelled extensively over the years visiting Europe twice, driving cross-country numerous times, and took a number of cruises. They visited almost all the National Parks in the United States. From the military, they had friends all over the country with whom they visited. They did much of their national travel by camper. Their first camper was hand built by Fred. As a child, Alice wanted to see the world and with the companionship of her Fred, she made her dream come true. Alice was very active in her community and church. She was a member of the Burlington Historical Society and even served a census taker. She loved meeting new friends and taking the census was the perfect opportunity to meet so many great folk living in her community. She found a wonderful place to share her faith at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Burlington and enjoyed both the spiritual and social part of being a church member. As a member of the Ladies Benevolent Society, Church Fair Committee and in working to bring food to Rosie’s Place she took part in the many social events offered at the church. Another focus of Alice’s love was native american indian culture. For 20 years or more she contributed regularly to the Saint Joseph’s Indian School out of Chamberlain South Dakota. She loved to share the letters and drawings that she received from the kids of the school with us and kept them posted on the wall in her kitchen. Alice’s home was a special place. It was filled with her doll collections, which were part collected and part hand made. It was was also filled with pictures of her most treasured possessions; her family. She was so proud of her children and relished in the precious gifts of her many grandchildren. She passed on so many wonderful traits and experiences to her large family that her influence and wisdom will be felt long after her passing. Alice was the beloved wife of the late Frederick N. Staten. She was the loving mother of Andrew Staten & his wife Claudia of Kingston, Irene Partridge of San Diego, CA, David Staten & his wife Patricia of Wilmington, Robert Staten of Burlington, Matthew Staten & his wife Mary of Burlington and Susan Kassirer & her husband Richard of Hamilton. She was the sister of Dorothy Anderson of Holden. Alice was also survived by 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and by many nieces, nephews & friends. A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 3:30 -5:30 p.m. Followed by Funeral Services at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Burlington at 6 p.m. Burial will be private. Memorials in Alice’s name may be made to the United Church of Christ Congregational Memorial Fund, 6 Lexington St., Burlington, MA 01803 or St. Jospeh Indian School, PO Box 300, Chamberlain SC 57325.