Alice Lipina

On Sunday afternoon, May 27th, 2018, Heaven threw a lavish celebration as they welcomed Alice Lipina, called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Spectators could see the Lord leading the procession to welcome Alice with a warm hug that seemed to last forever. Those close by could hear Jesus saying to Alice, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” Alice’s smile though said it all. She was beaming. Home at last. Many old friends and family were also there, so many familiar faces. Noise of the celebration shook the heavens for some time. Some insist it’s still going on. Alice Taylor was born in Roosevelt, Utah, to Frank and Ruby Roberts Taylor. Alice, along with her parents and four siblings (John, Arthur, Dorothy, and Lola) lived in a one-room shack. The five kids often slept under the stars in a cast iron bed under a tree in the front yard…a bit brisk in winter, and quite electrifying during Utah thunder storms. Her childhood was “interesting”. For example, Dad Taylor decided one day to sell the family’s mineral rights to their property to an oil company. Shortly after, oil was discovered of course. Yeah, our family could have been filthy rich…but thankfully we dodged the curse of near-limitless wealth. It would have destroyed us, right? Anyway, Alice grew into an attractive young lady who volunteered to serve meals in Ogden, Utah, after World War II to handsome soldiers returning to their homes via train. There she met Adam Lipina who, though he had survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, was no match for Alice’s smile and personality. She followed him back east, where the two wed in one of the great, shining metropolises in America – Cohoes! They then settled in “The Pearl of the East.” That’s right…Troy. Adam worked at the Norton company and Alice got a job at the Fort Orange Press, later landing a position at the NYS Education Department, working in the Library. During their marriage, our dynamic duo was blessed with four of the most outstanding, brilliant, attractive, and of course humble children to ever walk God’s earth: Arthur--oldest, strongest, and wisest…OK, well definitely the oldest…I mean he is pretty old. Then Carla, lovingly called “pumpkin”. Then Michael. Mom always said, “Every family should have a Mike.” Mom said a lot of weird things at times. And then of course the perfect child Mark. I just love that kid. OK he’s me. But the fact is, mom always said I was her “nicest, youngest, sonny boy.” Alice eventually retired from State service to the chagrin of all her kids because while she was working, you knew where to find her. But “Retired Alice” was always off on adventures, like antiquing, learning to sail, meeting friends, traveling all over creation, and of course … shopping. Alice loved to shop, particularly for jewelry and fine clothing. She was quick to deck out her kids in such, along with handing down her shopping genes to them in various degrees. She also loved a good cup of coffee with friends or family at favorite spots like Manory’s and Verdile’s in Troy and the 76 Diner in Latham. Most importantly, Alice loved her Lord Jesus, and since Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord and to love people, anyone who even briefly knew Alice saw her demonstrate these qualities on a regular basis. She was one of the most generous people one would be fortunate to meet, even going so far as to take people into her house. Nothing stopped her from helping others, even though it often put her into debt. In May of 2000, Adam left for heaven ahead of his sweetheart (solders can be so competitive), and since then so too have many of Alice’s closest friends including her sister Dorothy and brother John. When Alice’s health took a sudden sharp and serious down- turn, ultimately requiring 24-hour adult care, we thanked God for providing a room locally at Van Rensselaer Manor. Like she did everywhere, she quickly made friends with residents and staff, was voted onto the Resident’s Council Board, and even attained the role of President. She lived nearly 19 years at the Manor until the Lord called her home. Her family will forever be grateful to the excellent staff at the Manor who not only cared for our mom, but who truly loved her. Long-time staff like Leann and Barry and Kelly and Beth, just to name a few, were some of the wonderful people that God provided to care for our mom during what included some very difficult days. We will forever be grateful. Alice leaves behind Arthur (Judy) with children Lt Colonel Andy Lipina (Jenny), Aaron (Ashley), and Alison Strausbaugh (Dan); Carla Koury (favorite son-in-law Louis) and children Elaine and Michael; Michael (Linda) and sons Tim and James Eldred; Mark (Evelyn) and sons Mark, Tyler, and Hunter. She also leaves a growing bunch of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews too numerous to count (I struggle with large numbers and can only count to seven). Calling hours will be held Friday from 4-6pm at Loudonville Community Church, 374 Loudon Rd, Loudonville. A service to celebrate Alice’s life and cherish memories will follow at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albany City Rescue Mission.