Alice Sawaya
With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Alice Charles at the age of 96. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Norman, and her cherished son, Michael (Nancy), Alice leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and laughter.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Cindy (Paolo), Gary (Razan), Corina, and Tanya (Patrick), and her treasured grandchildren Stephano, Daniella (Alex), Kayla (Skyler), Kiana, Riley, Matteo, Lea, Haylee, Jenna (Adam), Lauren, Jackson, Luke, and Pablo, as well as her great-grandchild and namesake, Alycia.
Alice was fearless. While Norman worked and remained in Montreal, she spent summers at the lake in Cheneville with her five children, without a phone or hot water. On the weekends, Norman would join, bearing groceries. Alice spent her days and nights pulling all five of her children water-skiing; despite not being a swimmer, she could really captain a power boat. Alice’s sense of adventure, strength, and sacrifice defined those unforgettable summers.
Known for her bright spirit and positive attitude, Alice had the rare ability to turn difficult moments into fleeting ones, her bad mood lasting only minutes. She loved to laugh and tell stories and was the centre of attention at the senior’s residence where she had lived for the past two years. Alice took the initiative to say the Lord’s prayer before every meal. Alice was also a source of entertainment. She sang often, whether it was Dean Martin, Paul Anka, or even Fairuz; she always loved to sing.
After the heartbreaking loss of her treasured son, Michael, she grieved profoundly for many weeks. Keeping with her resilient spirit, she gradually found her way back to life and work, carrying the same grace and strength that had always been her hallmark.
Alice loved life, her children, and her grandchildren, but her greatest love was always Norman. Despite losing her husband of 64 years in March of 2023, Alice demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of overwhelming grief, finding the strength to continue.
Alice worked at Montreal Seam Binding for over 40 years, only retiring at 90. Even in her final years at the company, she remained one of its most productive employees—an inspiring testament to her work ethic and spirit.
Family members started to wonder whether she might reach 100. Blessed with remarkable health, Alice continued playing her favourite card game, Basra, and doing crossword puzzles until just a few weeks ago.
The family wishes to thank the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence staff for making Alice’s last few days of life as comfortable as possible. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence in Alice's memory.
Visitation will be held at Urgel Bourgie, 1255 Beaumont Avenue, Mont-Royal QC H3P 3J1. Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Several family members will deliver eulogies at 6:30 p.m.
A private burial will be held on Monday at Mount Royal Cemetery to honour her memory.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Cindy (Paolo), Gary (Razan), Corina, and Tanya (Patrick), and her treasured grandchildren Stephano, Daniella (Alex), Kayla (Skyler), Kiana, Riley, Matteo, Lea, Haylee, Jenna (Adam), Lauren, Jackson, Luke, and Pablo, as well as her great-grandchild and namesake, Alycia.
Alice was fearless. While Norman worked and remained in Montreal, she spent summers at the lake in Cheneville with her five children, without a phone or hot water. On the weekends, Norman would join, bearing groceries. Alice spent her days and nights pulling all five of her children water-skiing; despite not being a swimmer, she could really captain a power boat. Alice’s sense of adventure, strength, and sacrifice defined those unforgettable summers.
Known for her bright spirit and positive attitude, Alice had the rare ability to turn difficult moments into fleeting ones, her bad mood lasting only minutes. She loved to laugh and tell stories and was the centre of attention at the senior’s residence where she had lived for the past two years. Alice took the initiative to say the Lord’s prayer before every meal. Alice was also a source of entertainment. She sang often, whether it was Dean Martin, Paul Anka, or even Fairuz; she always loved to sing.
After the heartbreaking loss of her treasured son, Michael, she grieved profoundly for many weeks. Keeping with her resilient spirit, she gradually found her way back to life and work, carrying the same grace and strength that had always been her hallmark.
Alice loved life, her children, and her grandchildren, but her greatest love was always Norman. Despite losing her husband of 64 years in March of 2023, Alice demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of overwhelming grief, finding the strength to continue.
Alice worked at Montreal Seam Binding for over 40 years, only retiring at 90. Even in her final years at the company, she remained one of its most productive employees—an inspiring testament to her work ethic and spirit.
Family members started to wonder whether she might reach 100. Blessed with remarkable health, Alice continued playing her favourite card game, Basra, and doing crossword puzzles until just a few weeks ago.
The family wishes to thank the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence staff for making Alice’s last few days of life as comfortable as possible. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence in Alice's memory.
Visitation will be held at Urgel Bourgie, 1255 Beaumont Avenue, Mont-Royal QC H3P 3J1. Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Several family members will deliver eulogies at 6:30 p.m.
A private burial will be held on Monday at Mount Royal Cemetery to honour her memory.