Alice May Andersen

Alice May Andersen passed away after a short illness at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Albany surrounded by her loved ones.

Alice was born and raised in Cadillac, Michigan. She got married in 1956 to Owen Cook in the same house that she grew up in. While living in Michigan, Alice had two daughters: Mary and Laurie. The family moved to Oregon in 1963, along with Alice's parents, due to Owen being stationed in Portland while serving in the Air Force. After a while the family moved to the Albany area. Owen went to Vietnam, and in 1970 he and Alice got divorced.

Alice then married Alva Andersen in 1971. They had one son, Alva Jr. Alva Sr. passed away in 2004. Alice cared for Alva Sr. and her father during their illnesses in her homes until their deaths. Alice never believed in putting them in nursing homes. Alice always said she loved her childhood and growing up in the 1940s and '50s. As a young girl, Alice worked at a circus and did acrobatics. The kids remember their mom doing cartwheels and flips in the yard. Alice always talked about her circus days.

As Alice got older, she worked at Good Samaritan Hospital in housekeeping for 20 years. After having taken care of her father and husband for about five years, following their deaths Alice started working for Home Care and Visiting Angels in Albany for several years. Alice also worked for senior services until she was 75 years old and would take care of home bound clients. Alice finally retired last year after having a heart attack.

Alice loved reading, flowers, politics, going to the casino, but most importantly, being with family and friends. Alice spent time with her family daily; kids and grandkids both.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and James Planck; granddaughter Heidi Joy Taylor; grandson AJ Andersen; and her husband, Alva Andersen Sr.

Alice is survived by daughters Mary A. Cook Taylor and Laurie Torres; son Alva Andersen Jr.; eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren (and one on the way); sister Betty Bailey of Arizona; and lifelong friends Debbie Winn and Gary Swenson.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. today at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home with a graveside committal to follow at Willamette Memorial Park in Albany.

Memorial contributions may be made to U.S. Bank in care of McKenzie Andersen (Alice's granddaughter) to help with medical expenses. McKenzie is paralyzed due to the entrovirus and is residing at Randall's Children's Hospital in Portland.