Alice Rose Tassell McLeod, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away, of natural causes at Son Heaven Assisted Living Facility in Helena where she had been lovingly cared for since 2009. She was 87 years old.
Alice loved her family dearly and particularly her grandson Kelly. She will be remembered as someone of wonderful humor, devote faith, and many good and kind works. She will also be known as a wonderful friend who takes many secrets told in confidence with her. Alice was born on the family farm in Lost Lake Montana (north of Dodson) on July 24, 1925. She was the only child of John and Nora Tassell. Her childhood was filled with farm activities, helping her parents at the Creamer Country Store in Dodson, and time playing with her cousins the Dolphays.
In 1935 John and Nora purchased the Canyon Creek Store outside of Helena. Alice attended the Canyon Creek School and went on to graduate from Helena High in 1943. During this time she made friends that she would remain close to throughout her lifetime.
After high school, Alice moved to Spokane where she attended Kinman Business University earning her associates degree in 1944. In January 1947, while working at the Marlow Theater in Helena, she met Jay McLeod who would become her husband and lifelong partner. They were married on June 21, 1947 at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Helena. Together, the couple set up many homes, which were havens of warmth and laughter to family and friends. In 1960, they moved to Great Falls where their daughter, Mary, was born in 1963.
As a trained secretary, Alice worked as a legal secretary and at the Montana Highway Department. She also sold Avon for many years and was a top sales person in her district several times. Alice shared her ample craft and cooking talents to several Presbyterian churches, participated in prayer chains, and gave her time and financial support to many worthwhile causes.
Jay, Alice, and Mary took many family vacations visiting all 50 states. Some of their favorites were fishing in Alaska, going to the Rose Bowl and parade, and being in Boston for the Bicentennial in 1976.
Alice is survived by her daughter Mary Craigle, grandson Kelly Craigle, and son-in-law Scott Craigle of Helena; grandson Casey (Lindsey) Craigle and great grandchildren Kadyn and Qwinlyn Craigle of Bozeman. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband of 57 years, Jay who died in 2004.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2013. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church; 535 Ewing , Helena with a reception to follow the funeral service in the social hall of the church. Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Memorials in Alice’s name are suggested to First Presbyterian Church; 535 Ewing , Helena, MT 56601 or the the American Heart Association; 1831 Euclid Ave, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11 am
Monday March 18, 2013
First Presbyterian Church
535 Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday March 18, 2013
First Presbyterian Church
535 Ewing St.
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11 am
Monday March 18, 2013
First Presbyterian Church
535 Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday March 18, 2013
First Presbyterian Church
535 Ewing St.
Helena, MT 59601
Share
Cathy White says
Alice was a wonderful lady and she will be greatly missed by all whose hearts were touched by her. It was both an honor and a privilage to be able to get to know and care for her and her family. Mary, Scott and Kelly our thoughts and prayers are with you….
Scott Craigle says
Hard to sum up a woman like Alice…she was an incredible person in so many ways and was always like a mother to me. She was beautiful, inside and out, had a great sense of humor, keen wit, intelligent, compassionate and not afraid to speak her mind. Sometimes it took me a while to understand a particular joke or witty comment she made and would find myself laughing on my drive home. I know she loved me…she was interested in everything I did and always offered her support. She loved Kelly and Mary dearly and the rest of my family. I will miss her and Jay. They, and my own parents, have made the most profound impact on my life and it was my honor and pleasure to be part of theirs…
Barb Wagner says
My thoughts go out to the Craigle family for their loss. Alice has left a wonderful legacy in her daughter and grandson.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Mary,
We are sorry for your loss, your Mom was truly a wonderful Christian woman who lived her faith. She and I were ‘prayer partners’ on our Prayer Chain, she was a faithful prayer warrior for others always. Please know we are thinking of you at this very difficult time my dear, we’ll see you Sunday afternoon for a big hug’. Know that we care and you’re in our hearts and prayers.
Butch and Pearle Plowman says
Wet are sorry for your great loss. Alice was special! We regret that we will be unable to attend her services, since we are out of town.
Missy McConnell says
Dear Mary and Family
I am so sorry to hear about Alice. She had such a dry wit and at times would tell a joke that took a short moment to catch on. It was funnier that she was laughing non stop and then you would catch the joke-it was like she planned it. SHe was laughing at you for not getting it and the joke was totally on you. She will be greatly missed. RIP
Tonna Strasko says
Mary and Family,
Our prayers are with you all. I will always remember your Mom as one of the most kind ladies to me at First Presby. She cared so much for so many. God bless you all.
Tonna Strasko
Dawna Pace & Wayne Tietz says
I remembe Alice as a good person to those she had touched in live. Alice was a good member at the church and always has a smile when she sees other members of the church. Alice will be missed by those who knew her.
Valerie Raisch says
Mary and family,
When we lived in Helena, I so loved being around your sweet mom/dad.
Alice always had a smile and I’ll never forget sitting behind her some Sundays
at church and always seeing the ‘angel’ pin on her shoulder!!! She, herself, was
an angel on earth and she so loved her family and church!
God bless you all and may your many memories and God’s promise of eternal life
bring you comfort. I would be at the service but we now live in FL.
With sincere sympathy,
Valerie Raisch
Tonna Strasko says
Mary,
I just thought of something else that was so special about your Mom. She always had an angel on her shoulder didn’t she? What a fun memory.
I’m thinking about you.
Tonna
Marjorie Porter says
Mary and Family,
I an so sorry for your loss. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing her well, I have experienced her kindness and beauty. Over the years, I have been honoured to witness the loving traits demonstrated by her daughter, Mary, in business and personal interactions. The tradition of stalwart faith, firm work ethic ,keen wit, warm compassion and extraordinary wisdom remain, living on with Mary and her grandson, Kelly…
What a blessing!
John Schwendler says
Mrs. McLeod was a life long friend of my mother Dorothy and just the nicest warm loving lady. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Susan LaVoie says
I had the honor of getting to know Alice while cutting her hair. She was a true lady in every sense of the word. Even in failing health, she kept faith, and deep concern for others, while keeping her sense of humor. The last time I saw her, she said very matter of factly that ” Jay would be coming to take her home soon”. Alice was a blessing.