Alice ‘Al’ Reynolds
POINTE MILLS — Alice “Al” Kay Reynolds, daughter of the late George and Mary Lou (Zenner) Reynolds, warrior, artist, mentor, survivor of life did not leave this world unmarked. She was a force, strong and steadfast in her passions including her career at Copper Country Mental Health.
She graduated from Suomi College, aka Finlandia University, and received a certificate in human resources from Michigan State University. Things she really didn’t care if you knew or not.
Most importantly, she started living when she found out she was dying 13 years ago and she made the most out of every minute, traveling, gardening and experiencing art classes. Her mindset of letting go enabled her to become the artist she was always destined to be. Her watercolor work was stunning as were her acrylics. Joining Al in many of these classes was her partner in crime, Paulette Carr, the Thelma to her Louise.
Al shared her love of travel with her best friend and husband of 35 years, David Joyal, who through it all never left her side.
When Al left this earthly plane, she was surrounded by her husband, David Joyal. Her faithful fur babes, Queenie, Douglas, Coco, and last but certainly not least Franks her ever-loving stalker, and one sweet finch, Bird. Along with her human siblings, brothers Michael (Jodi) and Paul (Jayne).
She had so many family members, aunt, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends both in-person and online that she loved so dearly and deeply the list is too long for print. And they returned that love to her as well, shown in so many different ways.
A favorite quote of Al’s was, “Be happy for this moment, this moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam.
Al gave us all this amazing gift. She gave us time. We had time to spend with her and she with us. A gift that will never be taken for granted. She taught us how to live when faced with death. She gave her doctors and medicine something to research and write about because she was the first in many instances with various medicines and surgery to live as long and as well as she did. Our Al was SISU. She gave it her all and it is a place to pull strength and comfort from.
She would want you all to remember this, do not mourn her but celebrate the way she lived with strength and fierceness. Defying the odds and claiming 11 years past her stated “expiration date.” She would want you to listen to music and have a drink. You graduated Al. Fly high, we will see you when Scotty comes to beam the rest of us up.
Services will be Tuesday, September 14. Visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. and Catholic mass to follow from 11 a.m. to noon at St. Ignatius Church in Houghton. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in Alice’s name to the Copper Country Humane Society.
To view Alice’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home has been assisting the family with the arrangements.