Alice Findley

Alice Findley, 63, passed away peacefully at her home in the woods on Sunday, January 8, 2017 surrounded by her husband and children.

Alice was an amazing wife, mother, and friend to many people.  She had so many different chapters of her life that made her story a one of a kind.  Alice was born in New Jersey and spent her early childhood years playing in the ocean.  Her family moved to Naperville, Illinois when Alice was entering her teenage years.  Alice finished high school and college in the area.  Then one summer she decided to head up north to Ontario to work at an outfitters in Quetico Provincial Park.  This is where she met Dan and their love story began.

Alice and Dan built a beautiful home and raised their 3 children for nine months out of the year in Naperville.  What happened to the other months of the year?  Well….Dan was a high school biology teacher and had the summers off.  Once the last day of school arrived, Alice would have their trailer packed and ready and off the Findley’s would go on their summer adventures.  From Trout Lake in northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, Alaska, Glacier National Park, the Pacific Northwest and many more places in-between, the Findley family made so many memories during these summers together.

Alice and Dan decided to retire in Two Harbors, Minnesota so they could enjoy being close with nature.  They built a warm, cozy home in the woods and Dan welcomed the local wildlife into their yard so Alice could watch.  Alice called their home “Camp Alice” and it was a place for all of the grandkids to come have fun!  Sledding, snowshoeing, movie watching, French toast cooking, swinging or just gathering to be together was what happened at Camp Alice!

It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to Alice.  However, Alice is survived by many people who will carry on her spirit.  Her loving, devoted husband Dan-her knight in shining armor-whose main job was to hold her hand and walk through life’s journey by her side; 3 dear children who were blessed and honored to call her their mom Jenny (Lynn), Anne (Mike) and Dan (Erin); her pride and joy- 8 grandkids who loved her more than anyone can imagine- Brendan, Lucas, Megan, Lauren, Tom, Evan, Ally and Zack; her caring and gentle mother Edith Toms; and her 2 outstanding brothers Robert Toms Jr. (Bev) and Charlie Toms (Cathi).  Alice has many special extended family members that loved her dearly.  She also had many friends but she never called them that;  instead she chose to call them her family as well.

Alice is preceded in death by her supportive father Robert Toms.  Lastly, it wouldn’t be right to not mention Alice’s beloved cat Meiko.  Meiko was the best “mistake” that ever entered their family.  Along the way, Alice and Meiko became inseparable.  Her family is rejoicing in the fact that Alice now has Meiko back in her arms.

The family is preparing to celebrate Alice’s life this Friday, January 13th from 4:00 to 7:00. It will be at the Community Center in Two Harbors, 417 South Avenue.  Please join them if you can.....and if you can't........they understand and know you will celebrate Alice in your own way! As many of you know- Alice was not one to dress up! Give her a fleece and a pair of snow boots and she was ready for the town! So please dress according to how Alice would like! We are gathering to celebrate Alice!!!!

Alice had a deep love for the winters here up north! She absolutely loved the John Beargrease Sled Dog race and Bentleyville- both local attractions here in the northland! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either place in honor of Alice......

The legacy of Alice’s kind spirit, generosity, passion for the outdoors, love of family and zest for life will live on through everyone who knew and loved Alice.  She was an inspiration to everyone.  Alice will not go away, she will walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.