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Alice Mae Slusarzyk our “Queen Mum” of Dollar Bay, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024.
Alice was born May 6th, 1936 in Hancock, MI, the daughter of Myrtle (Schaaf) and Edward Beauchamp. She graduated from Dollar Bay High School’s class of 1954 as the valedictorian with perfect attendance K-12. She went onto marry Merlin (Slugger) Slusarzyk on February 19, 1955. They had 5 children together: Tom, Dawna, Steve, Laurie and Kathy.
During her working career she was employed by the State of Michigan transporting handicaped children from the Copper Country to medical appointments in Marquette, multiple times a week for 10 years or so. After that she worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Dollar Bay School System and then Michigan Tech in the Electrical Engineering department. Retirement wasn’t something she enjoyed, so she quickly went back to work as a volunteer for Little Brothers~Friends of the Elderly and later being employed by them. This job she LOVED! Alice was wonderful with the elderly by making their day with either a touch of the hand or just a friendly conversation always knowing the right thing to say to the each person she visited.
She was a faithful member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dollar Bay where she served on the Altar Society for many years as well as other committees as needed.
Alice was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and watched each game routinely. She would knit during the game and could knock out a baby afghan or sweater or a few dish clothes very quickly as the games got tense. She loved her football. She also had a love of the casino where she would play the slots and per her stories, won often. In her down time she was an avid reader, she could tear through a very thick book in just a couple of days.
In the winter months Alice and Slugger became snow birds spending time in Florida, Arizona and Texas, the break from the harsh Copper Country cold was something that they enjoyed together. On one of their last trips to Texas they rescued Mister Bates. They loved that dog! Six months after adopting their buddy, folks from the rescue group in Dallas came to the Copper Country to check on the pup to make sure he was given a good home. Alice’s comments were “I was sent home with 5 babies from the hospital and nobody checked on them but this dog from Texas they care about?” ha-ha
Alice touched many lives, many we don’t even know, but they meant so much to her. She had a passion for people and loved spending time with family, even if she would wave and say “Goodnight all” at 7:00pm.
Alice was proceeded in death by her parents Myrtle and Ovid Rivest, brothers Gary Beauchamp, David Rivest, and Larry Rivest. She is survived by her brother Norbert Rivest of Sheboygan, WI and Sister Beverly Valiquette of Ishpeming, MI as well as sisters-in-law Delores Beauchamp of Houghton and Shirley Slusarzyk of Calumet. Then there is her sister in law Kyle Rivest of Highland Park, IL who has been her most loyal friend and gentle soul, visiting her daily each summer and sending cards weekly.
Surviving by her husband Merlin “Slugger” Slusarzyk, children Tom Slusarzyk (Lisa Busser) of Dollar Bay, Dawna Slusarzyk (Linda Wareham) of Green Bay, Steve (Leslie) Slusarzyk of Phoenix, AZ, Laurie Hilmer of Houghton, Kathy (Jeff) Black of Lantana, TX, and all of their grandchildren, great grandchildren and bonus grands.
Special Thanks to all the exception staff from the Canal View that cared and loved our mother during her 6 years with them. The outpouring and love they showed our Mom during her final time with them was amazing. She was well taken care of and loved her Canal View Family. We also want to thank hospice nurse Sonia from Aspirus Health for the support and caring heart she shared with our family during the past 6 weeks.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Dollar Bay with Rev. Father Corie Litzner to officiate. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton. Friends may call at the church from 10 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church before the mass. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Little Brothers~Friends of the Elderly in Hancock.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences for her family, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
