Passed peacefully away at the L.A. Miller Centre on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, Alice Mary Druken, age 74, after a courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by her loving family and close friends. Alice faced her final challenge with the usual dignity and unselfishness she consistently showed throughout her life.
Predeceased by her loving parents John Thomas White and Mary Anne (Feehan) White; sisters: Mary, Gert and Marg; brothers: Jim, Joe, Pat, Dan and Whitey; mother-in-law Anastasia Druken; father-in-law Bill Druken and sister-in-law Edie Francis.
Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories her loving husband and best friend of 54 years Edward; devoted daughter Darlene; son-in-law Neil Smith; her precious grandchildren: Jordan (Jay) and Alicia (Allie); special daughters: Sheila (Michel LeBrie), Georgina Short (Louise Cormier); brothers: Ron White (Joan), Matt White (Violet); sister Anna Denief (Frank, deceased); brother-in-law Bob Druken (Rita); sisters-in-law: Helen Pender (Gus, deceased), Barb Mitchell (Stewart), Anita Lundrigan (Wally deceased), Geraldine (Mick) White (Whitey, deceased); Aunt Alice Decker; a number of cousins, nieces, nephews and a large circle of friends and neighbors.
Alice began her life-long career in 1954 at the age of 19 in the family business, Jim’s Tavern (then owned by her brother Jim). The Tavern was later owned by Alice’s father John and brother Pat. In 1964, Jim’s Tavern was renamed the East End Club. Alice was employee, manager and in 1984 took over ownership from her brother Pat. Alice and Ed became the new owners of the East End Club. It is here Alice met the majority of her closest friends. Alice volunteered with several organizations including Knights of Columbus, Sunshine Dreams for Kids, NL Down Syndrome Society and served on numerous committees; organized dart tournaments and sponsored softball and ball hockey teams. Alice made it her life’s work to make a difference and help others.
Resting at Caul’s Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road. Visitation 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Funeral Mass will take place at 1 p.m., Tuesday, September 8th, at Basilica-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, St. John’s. Private family interment at a later date.
Please, no flowers by request. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Newfoundland & Labrador Down Syndrome Society. To sign the guest registry, or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.cauls.ca.