Alice S. Quinlisk

Alice Quinlisk was born on February, 7 1923 in Punxsutawney, Pa and died on April 28, 2020 at the age of 97. Her legacy of "touching people's lives" (literally as a Nurse and figuratively through her heart) has had an immeasurable trickle down effect on those who knew and loved her. That little nudge you feel to do the right thing, especially when it is inconvenient or difficult in some small way may have evolvedfrom your relationship with Alice.

She graduated from Philipsburg (Pennsylvania) High School in 1941 and followed her path of service to Nursing School. After she completed Nursing School, Alice became an Army Nurse and served in WW II for 2.5 years, starting in 1945. She attended Basic Training in Lehigh, Virginia and then she was transferred to the Philippines followed by Japan. After being discharged, she made her way back  to the States and began working in Buffalo, NY as a Nurse caring for injured Servicemen. This is where she became acquainted with her future husband.

Alice met one lucky guy, affectionately known as Big John and was married on August 1, 1949. She helped to nurse him back to health after an eye injury ended his military career. They eventually settled in DuBois, Pennsylvania and through the years, she worked at both of the hospitals in town, had 4 children, operated the Home Health agency where she oversaw 22 Nurses and became President of the local American Red Cross. Alice was a member of  St. Catherine's Catholic Church and her faith and prayer life was the cornerstone to her personal integrity.

Dad died in 1994 and 4 years later, Alice relocated to North Wales, Pennsylvania and lived independently for years. She made new friends, became a member of  Mary the Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church and was able to actively participate in the lives of her son Dan, Daughter-in-Law Liz and grandchildren Emily and John who lived minutes away in Chalfont, Pennsylvania. Her new home became the primary hub for yearly reunions where all of her family, including her 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren forged wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

She wanted to be a part of everything when it came to her family. Even when the years began to take a toll on her physically and mentally, she never missed a family event. Her family saw to it that she somehow got to the party and if she couldn't, we took the party to her. In fact, she actively participated in her 97th birthday celebration on February 7, 2020.

She personified the word Servant. Her life’s mission and passion was caring for people, mostly the sick. She nursed her ailing father, sister, mother, daughter, husband and countless patients. Her compassion was palpable. You could sense her focus and concern if you ever told her about a difficult time in your life. Her tireless efforts to care for those in need were evident to all who knew her.

Alice understood without having to explain her experiences that lead to her level of understanding. She listened in a way that most people are not familiar. She prayed for you  whether you knew it or not.

She had an uncanny ability to remember not only your name or birthday, but intricate details about your life. Her incredible memory was the foundation of her amazing story telling abilities. When she was starting a story, you best get comfortable because you’re about to hear anecdotes about a person (someone you might not know) with a level of detail (sometimes excruciating) that most of us could not duplicate. She was also an incredible extended family historian who was the first one called upon when there was a family question.

Alice was preceded in death by her father and mother, Ernst and Emma Steige, her sisters Martha Steige and Emmy Burns, brothers Bob and Walt Steige, daughter Maribeth Egan (Shane) and husband John Quinlisk. She is survived by 3 sons, John (Linda), Ernie (Karen) and Dan (Liz) Quinlisk, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

We are all saddened by our loss, but our heavy hearts are lifted by our belief that she now rests in peace and comfort with all of those she loved that preceded her in death.

A Military service will be conducted in DuBois, Pennsylvania, however the time and day has not been determined.

We love you Mum!