LOWELL Alice G. (O’Brien) Santos, 86, a devout Irish Catholic and a lifelong Lowell resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Lowell General Hospital. She was the wife of the late Arthur J. “Herky” Santos who passed away in June of 2013 after 49 years of marriage. Alice was born on July 20, 1936, in Lowell, a daughter of the late Ralph T. O’Brien and the late Ann M. (Dunleavy) O’Brien. She was raised and educated in the Sacred Heart Parish and graduated in 1954 from Lowell High School. She married Herky and devoted herself to being a full-time wife and mother. In the mid 1980’s she reentered the workforce, starting at the entry level position of clerk, but her work ethic, wit, extreme numerate ability, and perseverance allowed her to rise through the ranks to Deputy Purchasing Agent within the City of Lowell’s Purchasing Department. She retired in 2003 after serving her beloved city for over 20 years. Alice was an avid reader of the Lowell Sun and daily listener of WCAP local talk radio. She raised her family in St. Margaret of Scotland Parish where she was a communicant for many years.
We will miss Alice’s “Helpful Household Hints”, her infectious smile that lit up a room, and her beautiful Bette Davis eyes, but most of all her huge heart which protected and loved all who graced her path. Alice lived life to the fullest, enjoying “Tuesday Trips” with the girls, trying new restaurants, shopping, and traveling up north. Alice especially cherished the precious moments spent celebrating with her 6 children and 12 grandchildren. Despite having a large family, she always found a way to give to her favorite charities; Sun Santa Fund, Oblates, and the Cancer Society to name a few.
The Santos family is thankful for the attentiveness and service of the staff at AgeSpan who helped Alice maintain her independence. We are appreciative and thankful for all the care and compassion she received from the nurses at Lowell General Hospital, especially during Alice’s final days.
She is survived by her six beloved children; Shaun & Ann (McGonigle) Santos, their children Connor & Bridget of Wakefield, MA; Brian & Tina (Thompson) Santos, their sons, Bryce & Camden of Fitchburg, MA; Cheryl & Alan Sayer, their sons, Nathaniel & Joshua of Lowell, MA; Arthur and Martha (Fallon) Santos of Lowell, MA; Colleen & Henri Asselin, their children Benjamin, Matthew, & Erin of Lowell, MA; and Christine & Michael (Mick) Durkin, their children Kyle, Sydney, & Leah of Dracut, MA and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her loving husband and parents, she was predeceased by; her sisters (and best friends), Mary F. Richardson, Joanne Connell, her brother Ralph O'Brien, her brothers in law Thomas Richardson and Daniel Connell.
On Sunday, July 31, 2022, all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 4 until 8 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, 978-458-6816. Her funeral will begin on the morning of Monday, August 1 at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by her funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 374 Stevens Street, Lowell, MA 01851. A procession will follow for burial at St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. Please find us on facebook or visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.