Alice was born 21 Dec 1960 in Buffalo New York, the youngest of five children of William Harrigan and Lois Hammond. She died in hospice care in Wayland, Massachusetts on 9 Jan 2024 after a long illness.
Alice earned her BS degree in Drama from Syracuse University in 1982. She followed this with an AAS in Interpreting from the Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf in 1985. In 1999 she completed her Master of Arts Degree in Critical and Creative Thinking from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
Alice devoted her career, spanning over thirty-three years, to a mission of inclusion and equity serving as a sign language interpreter in private practice, a statewide supervisor at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and as a published author. Alice also took great joy in interpreting for concerts and plays.
Alice was a reservoir of loving-kindness. Her generous heart always had space for anyone who would benefit. An active participant in Insight Meditation, she brought inner peace and passion to her work as a powerful advocate for making the world more welcoming to all. Alice had the language of a poet, the intellect of a scholar, and the kindness of a dear and trusted friend.
She is survived by her brother Brian Harrigan (Theresa Neilson) of Maynard, Massachusetts, and sisters Ann Raymont of Carmel Indiana, Margaret Harrigan (Richard Ross) of Madison, Wisconsin, and Sheila Harrigan (Andrew Axler) of Albany, New York. In addition, she is survived by 7 nephews and 1 niece. Alice’s beloved kitties, Emma and Tucker, have been adopted by Mary and David for whom she is deeply grateful.
A Celebration of Life event will be planned for Spring 2024.
Donations may be offered to DEAF, Inc. or Cambridge Insight Meditation or your preferred animal rescue.