Alice Elizabeth Christian

Alice Elizabeth Christian, 87, of Benton Harbor, passed away Monday, December 19, 2016 at her residence. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 East Delaware Avenue, Benton Harbor. Visitation will begin Wednesday at 10:00 AM just prior to the service at St. Bernard’s. Funeral arrangements have been provided by Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to SS. John & Bernard Parish, Benton Harbor. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Alice was born in Benton Harbor on August 27, 1929, to John and Lillie Mae (nee Ash) Allen.  She married Carl Christian, on October 11, 1951, in Buffalo, NY, and he preceded her in death on July 25, 1963.  Alice was baptized March 10, 1965, by the Rev. Severin George, S.V., at St. Michael Church in Buffalo. Alice was a devout Catholic and a long-time member of the SS. John & Bernard Parish, Benton Harbor, where she had been an organist and pianist.  She was an accomplished musician, and enjoyed playing both piano and violin until her death. Alice was a life-long student and was always trying to improve her mind and contribute to the community. Alice’s family includes her sister, Mary Streets, of Chicago, IL; her brother, Alvin Edward Thomas of Cornell, WI; and nephews Peter, Mark and Kevin Strong; Anthony Allen; nieces Anita, Yvonne, Sheila, Cheryl, Val and Carmen Allen; two first cousins, Luther Anderson and Anna Marie Dixon. Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her aunts, Elizabeth Harrison, Louise and Mildred Ash; and her brother, Roger Allen.