Alice Christian Pierce Crane's Obituary
Alice Christian Pierce Crane, 86, of Culpeper passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018 at English Meadows Assisted Living in Culpeper, with her daughter and grandson by her side. She was born on December 24, 1931 in Culpeper County to the late Henry Hawley Pierce and Bessie Jackson Pierce. Upon the death of her mother shortly after her birth, she was raised by her exceptional aunt, Vashti Katherine Pierce.
Alice was the reservations manager for many years at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville before ending her commute to return to work in Culpeper as a medical transcriptionist at Culpeper Regional Hospital. She continued this work from her home office for several years after her retirement.
She loved animals and provided a wonderful home to quite a few cats and dogs over the years, and along with Newton, her loving husband of almost 65 years, also kept the birds and squirrels in their yard well fed. Alice was an advocate of adopting pets from animal shelters. Newton would often say that “she would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it”. She was an avid reader who loved books of all genres and always had one within reach. She was a lifelong member of the Culpeper United Methodist Church and read her “Upper Room” daily. She enjoyed watching the Washington Redskins football games with Newton and became adept at pointing out what they were doing wrong during most of the games, but also loyally defended them against any unfair calls.
She is survived by one daughter, Katherine C. McGuire, and her beloved grandson, Sean M. McGuire, who was her "rock".
In addition to her parents and parental aunt, she was preceded in death by her husband, Newton B. Crane, who passed away last February. As she wished, she has gone to join him in heaven and will be interred with him at Culpeper National Cemetery. The memorial service will be private.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of the Piedmont for their compassionate care. No words can adequately express our appreciation for each and every one of you. We also want to thank everyone who said a prayer, sent a card and or visited her in the hospital during her illness. She received great comfort from these kind gestures. Newton and Alice were blessed with wonderful neighbors, and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to them as well for their many kindnesses.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA. 22911, or Culpeper Humane Society, P. O. Box 1032, Culpeper, VA. 22701.
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Alice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alice?
Share a story where Alice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alice you’ll never forget.
How did Alice make you smile?