Alice H. Tyanich, age 78 of Helena, passed away suddenly at home on August 11th, 2011.
Alice was born on June 27th, 1933 in Butte, Montana to Lawrence and Lucille Hanson. The family moved to Helena when Alice was very young and she attended school in Helena, graduating from Helena High in 1951.
Alice met the true love of her life, Dan Tyanich on her 17th birthday and they married less than a year later on June 3rd, 1951. Dan and Alice celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2001 with a surprise party attended by many family members and friends. Alice and Dan had a son, Ed in 1957.
Alice worked at the Parrot candy store while attending high school. She also worked for the Dotson Insurance Agency and then at the Montana Livestock PCA until her retirement.
Alice enjoyed spending time at the family cabin near Lincoln, where she read and cooked lavish meals. Mom was an avid reader and passed along her love of books to children in the Helena Schools as a volunteer in the Read Program. She especially enjoyed providing puppy daycare for her “Grandpups,” spoiling them with love and too many treats. Mom also enjoyed fishing and playing games, especially Yahtzee.
Mom was perhaps best known for her cooking skills. She cooked, as Dad liked to say; for an army, so there was always plenty if someone dropped in unexpectedly. Some of her signature meals were lamb stew, roast with browned potatoes and macaroni shrimp salad. At family gatherings, everyone wanted to know which salad Aunt Alice had made, so that they could have some before it disappeared.
After retiring, Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling to most of the museums, battlefields and historic sites in Montana, along with many long stays at the cabin. Mom’s health failed shortly after Dads’ death in 2002. With Dad’s passing, she lost much of her zest for life. One comfort in Mom’s final years was her loving border collie, Charlie. Charlie and Mom were devoted to each other and best of friends. Sadly Charlie passed away in January of 2010. Shortly before losing Charlie, Mom was blessed with the birth of her great granddaughter, Chanyng Halstead. She took great pleasure seeing Chanyng and watching her grow.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Lucille; her husband Dan; and her special pup Charlie. Alice is survived by her son Ed and wife Deb; grandson Tony Napoletano, granddaughter Christina Halstead and husband Steven, granddaughter Chanyng Halstead; brother Ed Hanson and wife Laura, brother in law Pete Tyanich and wife Pat, brother in law Max DaSilva and wife Zorka; and many loving nieces and nephews, along with her special “grandpups.”
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 16th, 2011 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison where Alice will be laid to rest with her husband, Dan. Memorials in Alice’s name are suggested to the Lewis and Clark Public Library, 120 S Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Alice, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Mom, thank you for everything, but especially thank you for passing on to me your love of books and reading as well as your passion for food and cooking. You will be missed so very much.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Karen Olson says
Alice was a special aunt–so loving, and so much fun. I’ll always remember her. My sympathies to you all.
Kelley Flatt says
Alice was an amazing woman. She accepted me as part of the family even though there was absolutely no relation.
I will miss you Alice. Thank you for being “my grandma”.
Nancy Tyanich says
Hi Ed,Deb & kids.
I’m so sorry to hear about Alice. She was a wonderful person and cook. I remember her roasted duck, which was delicious. She also loved to play Bingo at our cabin near Lincoln, she would ALWAYS win. I’ll miss Al very much. She will ALWAYS be in our hearts. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.
Rob Rule says
To Ed and the rest of the family,
Alice will be missed. She is a special person.