KUMAR, Alice of Dedham, formerly of Singapore and India passed away on July 31, 2022. Wife of the late Shivkumar Kumar. Devoted mother of Sarita Gonzales and her husband Tomas. Loving grandmother of Shanti, Antonio, and Diego. Alice was particularly close with Sarita’s family, John and Connie Gonzales. She was also held a strong bond with her sister Anitte.
My mom Alice loved me more than anything in the world. From the day I was born until her last day, she always wanted the best for me. We had many adventures out at sea where we joined my father for year long voyages on big merchant vessels bound towards Europe , Africa, Asia and the Americas. My mother homeschooled me then, Throughout my life, it was always my mother who was there, helping me type my papers and staying up late to help me when I had an exam the following day. Growing up, she made sure I had a big bowl of porridge daily so I would never be wanting calcium, I understand now why she did that. Through most of the later part of her life, starting in her 40s, she developed advanced osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. She also had two knee and two hip replacements as well as a shoulder replacement. Despite all of her pain and difficulty, she helped my husband and I raise three beautiful children. Her mind was always sharp and she loved having spirited discussions about politics and football (a big Brady fan) Her affection for our animals grew and she was tolerant and patient of all their antics. Her cooking was spectacular and we learned many great recipes that we hope will carry on the tradition. I had been resentful in the past for the responsibility that my husband and I had to take on very early in our married life. We however, persevered, embraced her and we were able to give my mother a safe and loved life for 28 years after she came to the United States from Singapore. I am especially grateful to my in-laws, Connie and Jon for their unfailing love and support for me and my mother right to the end.
For my mom, I know you are now finally in peace and free of the dreadful pain that you had had for so long. You are a fighter with a will of steel. I take from you your determination, perseverance and most importantly your memory and your love. I wish I had been more compassionate and I wish that you could have been home with us in these last months of your life. With a heavy heart, I say goodbye and I hope that you know how much I loved you. Thank you for making me who I am and continue to watch over our family and guide us through the different paths in this journey of life. Rest in Peace mom and I know God is holding you close.
Your daughter, Sarita
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home 456 High St. Dedham on Tuesday, August 2nd from 5-7pm. A funeral service will be held in the the funeral home on Wednesday, August 3rd at 12 Noon. Interment private.
Remarks shared by her sister
Alice and I shared the same father, Floriano Francisco Menezes. So she was my half sister. Alice was 18 years my senior so we grew up at different times. However, what is amazing is that we shared a special bond which spanned over 50 years. Alice's sense of kindness towards my siblings and me, when we were little, was the start of that bond which only grew through the years. Like most sisters do, Alice and I quarreled sometimes but I could not stay angry with Alice for too long. That was because one vivid memory held me in good stead. I might have been 9 or 10 years old and Alice gifted my two sisters and me, one Christmas, with 3 similar velvet dresses that had tiny yellow flowers on it. I felt so special and loved wearing my velvet dress. That memory holds first place in my heart over everything else.
Thank you, Alice - you made my world a better place. May you rest in peace now and may your memory bring hope and solace to everyone who was blessed to experience any sense of your kindness even in the smallest measure.
Love & Blessings!
Annette