Alice Jean Michaelson

Alice Jean Michaelson of Anchorage, 91, passed on to her eternal reward on March 23, 2016. She was born to William J. and Gertrude M. Sweetman, on February 2,1925, in Ovid, Michigan. She received bachelors’ degrees in Music and French from Mount St. Joseph’s College and the University of Maryland. She came to Alaska by the Alaska Highway in April 1948 with her parents and taught school in Wasilla and Palmer Central Schools. In June 1950, she married Neil E. Michaelson, who like her father worked at the Experiment Station in Palmer. They lived and raised their children in Palmer until 1967. The family then moved to Tempe, Arizona for four years before returning to Anchorage in 1971.

She worked for a several years at the Anchorage Senior Center as a social worker. Her whole life was dedicated to caring for and about her family as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had eight children, 17 grandchildren and four great­ grandchildren all of whom she loved dearly. Her devotion to her Catholic faith was strong throughout her life and she was active in several parishes including St. Michael’s in Palmer, Guadalupe, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parishes in Anchorage. For the last few years she had Alzheimer’s Disease and was cared for by family members and many dedicated care givers at Providence Horizon House and the Anchorage Pioneer Home.

Alice is survived by her children; Paul ( Katherine) of Watertown, New York, Gary (Nancy) of Palmer, Julie of Palmer, Lee and Cindy Haley of Anchorage, Ray (Jennifer) of Palmer, William (Marti Pausback) of Anchorage, Jeffrey (Michelle) of Port Townsend, Washington, Christopher (Sandie) of Anchorage.

Alice was predeceased by her parents; husband, Neil after 45 years of marriage; and son-in-law, Roger Bowen.

Her grandchildren are: Andrew, Steven Emily, Rebecca, Aren, Samantha, Gregory, Audrey, Helen, Alice, Ben, Neil, Madeline, Elijah, Lucas,Vaeda,and Aiden. She is also survived by her four great-grandchildren. Services will be at St.

Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Anchorage on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at 6 p.m., with visitation beginning at 5 p.m. Reception following services. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.