Alice McDuffee

It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Alice McDuffee, who left us for heaven on Monday, July 31, 2023.  Alice will be cremated and friends may greet the family at a visitation on Friday, August 4, 2023, 10a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in rural Seymour, IL. The funeral will immediately follow, at 11a.m.

Alice was born at home in rural Pesotum, Illinois on December 16, 1929. She grew up in a happy household, surrounded by immediate and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years Donald Wayne McDuffee; parents Evelyn (Butler) Henry and Clarence Henry; siblings Dorothy Wheatley, Fred Henry (known as Fritz), and Joe Henry; son-in-law Jerry Sievers; and her cousin and dear friend Frances Wood.

She is survived by her sister Mary Ann Huffman; five children Kathy Sievers, Phil (Chong Ok) McDuffee, Betsy (Chic) Place, Russ (Becky) McDuffee, Amy (Louis) Braghini; 15 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Alice graduated from Sadorus high school in 1947. She and Don were married on Wednesday, April 14, 1948. Hers was a life well lived. She raised 5 children, worked at and retired from Kraft and in retirement worked part-time at the Illini Union Bookstore, and stayed active throughout her life.

There were many activities that Alice loved. She was an avid quilter, belonging to both the Heartland Quilters and Sharp Needles Quilting Clubs. She made dozens of quilts as gifts for family members, friends, veterans, and children in difficult circumstances, as well as finishing the quilts of other quilters who were unable to complete their projects. She loved to be on the go, traveling to visit family, and attending events like the car races at Talladega and Sweet Adelines conventions. For more than 20 years she sang with the Toast of Champaign Chorus. She also square danced, took ballroom dancing lessons, went to exercise classes at the YMCA, hosted large family gatherings, and was a game participant in activities that presented themselves.

Her grandchildren meant the world to Alice. She proudly followed their accomplishments and activities, attending as many sporting events, presentations, and programs as possible. When people remarked on the number of grandchildren and great grandchildren, she would tell them that there was “not one too many”.

Alice was generous, kind, and thoughtful. She donated to all kinds of causes, local and worldwide.

And then there was color. Alice lived life in color. Whether fabrics, cars, flowers, or any other thing, she loved vibrant colors, surrounding herself with them and noticing them wherever she went. 

Laughter was an essential part of Alice. She loved to laugh and was often unexpectedly hilarious. 

In her final years, when her mobility issues and her eyesight limited her activities, she often said the rosary, believing (as did her mother) that each rosary she said would get someone into heaven, a beautiful offering of love.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alice McDuffee, please visit our floral store.