Mary Alice “Alice” Diette passed away September 24, 2013, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she had resided the past eight months at the Kenwood Retirement Community.
Alice was born on March 14, 1926, in Choteau, Montana, to Arthur and Florence Davidson. Proud of her Teton County heritage, she attended grade school in Collins and Choteau, graduating valedictorian of the Power High School class of 1944. She attended Montana State University in Missoula (now U of M), where she was affiliated with the Alpha Phi sorority. Taking a summer season job with the Yellowstone Park Company, Yellowstone National Park, in 1947, she realized there was no turning back, and continued working summer seasons with the company through the 1951 season.
Seeking an adventure for the 1951 winter season, Alice road a Greyhound Bus to Boca Raton, Florida, to work at the Boca Raton Club. During the winter, she met Arthur “Art” Diette, an aspiring golf professional from New Haven, Connecticut. Alice returned to the Boca Raton Club for the 1952 winter season, and she and Art were married on April 14, 1952, at St. Vincent’s Mission in Delray Beach. They made their home in New Haven until moving to Helena in the fall of 1953, where they raised their family of four sons.
Alice was not particularly fond of sewing, cooking, or gardening – “necessary evils one had to live with.” Instead, she instilled in her children and grandchildren her passion for reading, keeping abreast of current events, and forever exploring the wonders of Yellowstone. She was active in the Parent Teacher Associations of St. Helena, Hawthorne, and C.R. Anderson Schools. Although she considered herself a perpetual beginner, Alice enjoyed being a member of the Belmont Ski Club in the 1960s and 70s, and saw to it that all her sons became accomplished downhill skiers. Her creed in life was “do unto others as you would have them do to you.” She was truly a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and devoted friend to many. In her later years, she often commented on how fortunate she was to have known so many good people throughout her life.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Harry, John, and Bill; her husband Art; and eldest son Thomas. She is survived by her sons Ernest, Vincent, and Matthew; grandchildren Clay, Amy, Melissa, and Sean; and cherished cousins Marion Holman, Audrey Davidson, Coy Gray, Arlene Woodahl, and Kenny Depner.
Needing assisted living and to be closer to Vince and Matt, Alice moved to Minneapolis in January. Her stay in Minneapolis was made complete with late afternoon walks (using her “stroller”) in the historic Lowry Hill neighborhood with Vince and Matt; weekend car rides along the Mississippi River and through the various neighborhoods of Minneapolis and St. Paul; a tour of the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul (using her “stroller”); and the loving care and support of her Hospice team: David, Beth, and Anna Lisa.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013, at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. The family will host a reception at the Barrister Bed & Breakfast, 416 N. Ewing St., from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cremation took place in Minneapolis under the direction of the Cremation Society of Minnesota. Local arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family.
Arlene Woodahl says
I am sorry I won’t be able to attend Mary Alice’s memorial service. We were so blessed to have her as such a special part of our family over the years. She was deeply loved by us all – what wonderful memories we shared! Please know that I am holding all of you in my heart with tenderness and caring.
My Love and Sympathy,
Arlene Woodahl
Kevin Hayes says
I first met “Mrs. Diette” (to this day I still feel awkward calling her Alice!) when I began playing golf as an extremely shy, rather gawky teenager at the Bill Roberts Golf Course. She was always so kind and friendly, and I hold nothing but fond memories of her. Unfortunately, I’m going to be out of town and can’t attend the memorial service, but to her family please know that I’m thinking of her and extend my sympathies to you. She was a gracious person who had a positive effect on me.
Kevin Hayes
Kathe Schmit says
Alice always liked to take credit for introducing John and I in the pro shop at Bill Roberts Golf Course in 1978. In fact, we have a wonderful tape recording of her telling the story at our wedding reception in 1980. We will treasure that tape forever! What a wonderful friend she was to me all these years – always kind, interested and fun to talk to. I am so sorry we missed her Memorial Service – we were on a trip to the Oregon coast for 10 days. Matt, Vince, and Ernie, I’m sorry for your loss but I’m sure she’s glad to be reunited with Art. I would have loved to have seen you “boys” ( as we all have referred to you over the years) at the service.
Suzie Mason says
I met her once when she came to visit her brother Harry and newly wed wife (my Mother) Celene. I met her Mother and Father when they lived in Santa Rosa, Calif. She treated me as loved member of the family. I was about 14 and remember her well. The Davidson’s are special people