Alice L. Pifer

Age 73, passed away November 21, 2017. She was born April 18, 1944, in Saginaw, MI, to the late John and Helen (Kneile) Pifer.

Alice graduated from Houghton Lake High School, Ferris State College, and received her BBA from Northwood University. She worked 30 years with the U.S. Geological Survey in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, CA, Ann Arbor, MI, and Lansing, MI. After retirement, Alice held several private sector jobs including The Wild Strawberry Florist in Holt, at MSU and LCC, and for the past 10 years was the financial secretary at her beloved church, Central United Methodist Church in Lansing.

She is survived by her sisters, Judy (Don) Krieger of Milan and Donna (Jim) Pifer Anderson of Maple City; brother, Steve (Mary Beth) Pifer of Haslett; 8 nieces and nephews; 7 great-nieces and nephews; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on December 2, 2017 at the Central United Methodist Church in Lansing, MI.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central United Methodist Church.  Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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8 Messages to “Alice L. Pifer

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Betty Burger
November 22, 2017 at 8:35 pm

Our heartfelt sympathies to the family. Alice was a very precious lady.

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Judy (Pifer) and Don Krieger
November 22, 2017 at 11:03 pm

Alice was a great sister and sister in law. She will be missed.

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Nicole Leible (Pifer)
November 23, 2017 at 12:52 am

There is a huge whole in my heart today as my Aunt Alice is no longer with us. While I love all of my aunts & uncles this one stings a bit more, as she was also my Godmother. Her love, guidance, huge bear hugs & bright red lipstick cheek kisses will be truly missed. She was a strong willed, determined career women who cherished her independence and loved her family hard. My boys & I spent last night talking about her and how she impacted my life. Talking about her made me feel closer to her and lifted my spirits a bit. She has always been a part of my life, from Aunt sitting (that was her term instead of babysitting) my brother & I, to attending every family holiday, my sporting events, my graduation, my wedding & the birth of my first son. She passed on to me her love of Disney movies (I think she bought me every single one as a child), travel, adventure, independence & loving/caring for everyone.. I could go on & on with my funny stories of singing in the car with her while she drove, packing & moving her who knows how many times, my summer vacations with her in Ann Arbor, Lansing & Washington DC….but I want to tell you about what my boys pointed out to me last night….they wanted to know what a Godmother was, I explained it to them but they still had a strange look on their faces & Trenton said, “so did she do magic?” I was confused by this question & Tanner said, “you know, like a fairy Godmother?” I of course said YES, she was magical, brave & always with me like a Fairy Godmother. Last night before I went to bed I looked for the definition of Godmother & the best possible photo showed up….she truly did resemble Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, so I will end this post with a Disney quote “Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boo” I MISS YOU.

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Steve Pifer
November 23, 2017 at 1:11 am

Thanks to each of you for your support and prayers during the last several months as sister Alice dealt with her health issues….

I’m so happy that the four Pifer siblings could all be together a week before her passing…. seeing her two sisters/“baby” brother lifted her spirits immensely and her smiles as she looked through the photos of our family was priceless. The timing was perfect and she loved seeing Don and Beth as well…..

So with that cherished memory fresh in our minds…. we will miss our “independent” sister Alice but know that she is no longer in pain and discomfort and she is on her way to a wonderful place. She will certainly be meeting up with mom and dad soon….

I believe we all owe MaryBeth and Susie a debt of gratitude for watching over Alice so tenderly the last few months…. they carted her to her Doctor’s appointments, helped Alice with all her needs, put up with her Pifer stubbornness at every turn with grace and love that is so very special. MB and Susie…. thank you both so very much and I can tell you at different times Alice told me that she considered you both her sisters as well…. she loved you both dearly.

Alice also loved her church very deeply…. Central United Methodist Church Lansing MI was Alice’s “home” as she finished her life’s journey and its members were all part of her family as well….

“Al” may be physically gone from the world we know but all the memories of her will remain with us forever…. we are all very blessed by having her in our lives…. she enriched each of us….

Alice’s favorite brother (she always laughed when I would sign off with that as I’m her only brother) will miss her as will the rest of her family and friends – Steve

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Mary Howe Gyde
November 24, 2017 at 10:27 am

Alice and I were classmates and friends at Houghton Lake. I have fond memories of visiting at her home. My thoughts go out to all her family.

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Sue German
November 24, 2017 at 1:02 pm

I’m so sorry for the loss of Alice. She was a joy to visit with at the family reunions. Knowing she deeply cared for her extended family. I was always interested in her work as she would talk about her activities. I will miss her.

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Janet Brewer
November 26, 2017 at 10:02 am

I am sorry to hear about the death of Alice. We had lost touch the past few years and I didn’t even know she was ill. As my life became so busy caring for my extended family, I neglected to keep in touch with my friend. Now, my regret and loss. I met and worked with Alice 40 years ago at the USGS. Throughout the years she never forgot a birthday and always remembered to send me her Christmas letter. I even helped move her to several new places. She loved to relocate. In the end, it is family who supports and cares for the loved one. I know she was surrounded by love and support from her beloved family and church. My sympathies to all.

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Melissa Lonsberry
December 2, 2017 at 11:02 am

Aunt Alice was always special to me. She was an independent woman and I admired this in her as it was so different from what was expected. She was always positive, always practical and always there at family events when she could be. Family and faith were important to her. She loved her neices and nephews and made them a priority in her life.

I am thankful that my Aunt Mary Beth and Uncle Steve brought Aunt Alice into my life. Thank you to Aunt Susie for helping Aunt Alice with medical appointments. I know It helped Marybeth and Uncle Steve immensely.

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