SALEM - Alice M. Jordan, of Salem, died peacefully at her home on Saturday afternoon, August 1, 2009.
Alice was the daughter of the late Samuel and Veronica (Kempa) Jordan. Alice attended the local schools and in mid life attended Boston University graduating with both a Bachelor's and Masters degree in Education. Alice started her work career at the former Pequot Mills in Salem, moving up from factory work to office manager. When the mill closed Alice obtained work as an office worker at the Sylvania Plant on Boston Street in Salem.
While working at the Sylvania plant on Boston Street Alice started attending Boston University School of Education as a part time student found part time work in Boston and this enabled Alice to become a full time student at BU. Alice also started to work as a volunteer with children having cerebral palsy and this helped Alice learn and understand how to work with children with disabilities. Alice graduated from Boston University and found employment as an elementary school teacher in Danvers public schools, followed by a teaching position at the Bentley School in Salem where she remained teaching until her retirement.
Alice was an active member in many organizations. Alice held a membership in the local Teachers organization, the state Teachers organization and the National Teachers organization. Alice was an active volunteer in community affairs. Alice participated in many organizations as a member with the House of Seven Gables, the Derby Street neighborhood association, Historic Salem Inc., Peabody Essex Museum, Essex County Ornithological club, Salem Alliance for the Environment, Salem Woods and the Rosary Sodality at St. John the Baptist Church.
Alice was instrumental in researching the homes on Derby Street to enable the neighborhood to become eligible to become a member of the local historic district designation as well getting our historic neighborhood area recognized on the National Historic Register. For several years Alice worked along with Wanda Walczak to plan and coordinate trips for the local AARP organization.
Alice was an avid reader; gardening, painting, hiking and travel were some of her favorite pastimes.
Alice resided at the family home on Derby Street her entire life and was sharing the home with her sister Dolores . Alice was predeceased by her parents, brothers, Joseph, Stanley, two sisters Sophie Zielin and Helen. Alice was a loving aunt to her nephews, Henry Zielin of Setauket, NY, Stan Zielin of San Francisco and John Zielin of Andover. She leaves grandnephews, Jordan, Derek, Sasha, Christopher and two grandnieces, Jill and Alison.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, from 9 to 10:30 am at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 am at the St. John The Baptist Church, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Cemetery services are private. For those who desire, donations may be made in her memory to the Hospice of The North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.