Alice Felicia Frew Caler

Service Information

A private family memorial gathering to scatter both Alice and Bill’s ashes will take place this summer.

"In every heart she touched, in every life she changed, in every thought she inspired, her love lives on. She enriched the lives of everyone who knew her. She will not be forgotten by anyone who loved her."

Alice passed peacefully on June 10, 2017 at Hospice House in Bellingham, WA, following a fall at home. Thank you, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue Service, PeaceHealth Hospital, and Bellingham Hospice for the tender care you provided in her final days. Every one of you probably remember her telling you how sparkly your eyes, how beautiful your hair, how kind you were, thanks for coming, thanks again for everything. Alice was the 4th child born to David and Nellie Frew at home in Slippery Rock, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. She had three siblings, Howard, Ernie, and Mae Frew. She lived in Pennsylvania through her early married years, most of that time in New Wilmington, PA. When asked why she chose the college she attended, she recently answered, Because the very best college, with the very best instructor, in the Education major I wanted, was Westminster Presbyterian College just a few blocks from home. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Education June 1952. Her family also loved & attended the First Presbyterian church on campus there. Alice married William Eugene Caler (Bill), her high school sweetheart, November 28, 1952. Alice and Bill had two children, Cindy (Leffel) and William Ernest Caler (also known as Bill). Alice and Bill moved to Canoga Park, CA in 1956. She taught in Elementary grades there off and on while her children were growing. She could also be found creating classroom projects at home, taking meals to a friend in need, sewing for her own family & neighbors too, working outside in her yard, teaching Sunday school, baking cookies, decorating many special cakes, singing in the church choir, and always found a way to re-use old clothing or household items. In 1971, Alice and Bill moved to Yreka, CA where mom became a favorite teacher at the elementary school there. In 1973, they moved to Seattle, WA, where they had a lovely home in Burien, and Alice again endeared many in her neighborhood and church. Alice moved to Birch Bay, WA after her husband Bill’s death in January 2017 to live with her daughter, Cindy, and her husband, Jim. In the five short months living there, Alice won the hearts of the Birch Bay area while getting out in the community at Northwood Alliance Church, Adult Day Health in Lynden, Silverado Bellingham, the Blaine Library, the Blaine Senior Center, Edaleen Dairy, and the C Shop. At age 86, Alice understandably was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; sorrowfully by her son Bill (04/24/2005), and sadly by her husband Bill (01/28/2017). Alice is survived by, and brought much joy to, her daughter Cindy & Jim Leffel, granddaughter Kelly & Aaron Tuski, great grandchildren Ian and Ana Tuski, all of Birch Bay & Blaine, WA; grandson Jeremy & Deena Leffel; great grandchildren Talia, Martin, and Josee Leffel of Tacoma; grandson Randall Caler and his loving mom Janet Caler of Bellevue, WA. In lieu of flowers or donations, please take the time to have daily meaningful conversations with your mom, gramma, great gramma, and discover a new depth of love and memories there. In doing this with Alice, she always left us with a smile. When she answered an I love you, she always said I love you back. She truly did.

Memories

From Jeremy

Beautifull written :) We will miss you Grandma, bye for now. xoxo

Jul 13, 2017

From Eileen

Beautiful words, Cindy for a beautiful person, inside and out. Alice always radiated joy in life and I will have fond memories of her.

Jul 21, 2017

From Donna Oiland

Thank you Cindy for sharing who your mom was with us.  No wonder you are so amazing!  I wish I had gotten to know her.

Jul 21, 2017

From Robin Kisala

Lovely Cindy.  While life changing for you and Jim, I am so glad you had the time with your mom that you did.  My heart is with you, my dear friend.

Jul 22, 2017

From Kathleen Miller

Beautiful and true description of dear Alice.  A sweet gentle lady  I truly enjoyed getting to know her.   A gift to be treasured. 

Jul 22, 2017

From Maureen

Thank you Cindy for sharing this and letting us all get to know your mom. This is Lovely and well written. I enjoyed getting to meet Alice for the few months she was here. She was always smiling and loved seeing Anabel. Very few people can do what you did for your mom and speaking from experience it is never easy what you did or went through, but truly appreciated by Alice. Your mom was a wonderful person and so are you.

Jul 22, 2017

From Ann & Phil Leffel

So glad you were able to spend such quality time with her.  I know how much she appreciated you and Jim.

All our love,

Ann, Phil, Jerome, & Kim

Jul 23, 2017

From Andra Gullberg

A beautiful testimony to your mom's life and your love for her! 

Jul 23, 2017

From Linda...Rich too

What beautiful words and gorgeous pictures to honor your Mom. Alice was such a precious person. We will always remember her (and your Dad) with wonderful memories and love in our hearts. Thanks Cin for sharing. Love you!

Jul 26, 2017

From christian

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book-marking it and checking back frequently!

Nov 25, 2017

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