Obituary of Alyce H. Van Keuren

WEVERTOWN Alyce Helene Van Keuren (nee Vohs), beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to all passed peacefully away while surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at Glens Falls Hospital following a brief battle with cancer. She was 72. Alyce was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on March 27, 1942, to Walter Henry Vohs, Sr., (a first-generation German immigrant) and Helene Rita Vohs (nee Deane). Her parents were hard-workers who instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and demonstrated the values of service before self that Alyce exhibited throughout her life. Those who knew her best know that Alyce was a kind and compassionate woman who gave freely of herself in order to better the lives of those around her. In return, she asked only that they do their best with what they were given. Alyce was a gifted multi-sport athlete in her youth who excelled at softball, basketball, and volleyball. She was a Girl Scout and also a member of the first graduating class of North Babylon High School on Long Island, N.Y. While pursuing a career at New York Life insurance company in Manhattan, N.Y., she met and fell in love with Alan Sargent “Sarge”Van Keuren, a dashing young New York City police officer with an adventurous streak who impressed her with his skills as an aircraft pilot and skydiver. Alyce gave Sarge two sons, Christian and Kevin, and a daughter, Allison. Sarge and Alyce were living in West Hampton Beach, N.Y., when they decided to relocate to the Adirondacks in 1972. They left a comfortable life, family, and friends to begin anew in a place where they could raise their children in a small-town environment that offered safety, security, and a strong sense of community. Alyce gave to her new community in a variety of ways. She served as a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 36. She joined St. James Catholic Church in North Creek. She served more than 30 years with the Olympic Regional Development Authority-Gore Mountain as a customer service representative. She also served two terms as an elected official on the Johnsburg Town Board. Along the way she earned a reputation for honesty, integrity and trust. Alyce was a treasure to her family and to all who knew her. Alyce is pre-deceased by her parents, her husband, her infant daughter, and her brother, Arthur Vohs. She is survived by her oldest brother, Walter Vohs, Jr. and his wife, Claire of Huntington, N.Y., a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Vohs of Breinigsville, P.A., and her younger brother, Wilson Vohs and his wife, Janice of Mooresville, N.C. Her proudest legacy is her two sons who loved and respected her: Christian G. Van Keuren and his wife Eun-Jeong, of Annandale, VA., and Kevin S. Van Keuren and his wife, Jennifer, of Oxford, CT, and the grandchildren she adored who loved her unconditionally: Belle, Aisling, and Evan. No calling hours are scheduled in accordance with Alyce’s wishes. An internment service will be conducted 1:00 PM Friday, April 25, Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville. A funeral procession will be departing Alexander Funeral Home, Inc., 3809 Main St., Warrensburg, at 11:30 AM. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Alyce’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences.