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Alice Gundersen Schofield

Alice Gundersen Schofield, 91, passed away on April 16 in Virginia with family by her side. She was the daughter of John and Jeanette Gundersen and was born Feb. 25, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, where she spent her childhood in what was then the predominantly Norwegian neighborhood of Bay Ridge. She graduated from Skidmore College in June 1953 with a bachelor of science degree and earned her registered nurse license from the University of the State of New York in December 1953. She later went on to earn her master of science degree from the University of Connecticut in 1983.

A long-time resident of Connecticut, Alice lived in Glastonbury and Old Saybrook until 2019 when she moved to Burke, Virginia. Married in 1953, Alice and her late husband, John, were inseparable throughout their 66-year marriage. Together they raised three children, built a second home in Lincolnville, Maine, travelled internationally, attended the opera regularly, and pursued a number of hobbies, including scuba diving.

Alice worked as a registered nurse at Hartford Hospital and a local nursing home, specializing in geriatrics care. She was appointed by the Governor of Connecticut to be a member of the state task force to study the needs and problems of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and she remained active in that cause through two decades. She was an active participant in a women’s health study with Brigham and Women’s Hospital from 1992 through 2021. Alice participated in many activities with her children, was a member of the League of Women Voters, and volunteered her time in various other capacities.

In addition to travel, Alice also enjoyed summering in Maine with her children and grandchildren, birdwatching, gardening, a lively game of cribbage, and a quiet cocktail hour with family and friends. “Muzshie” – as she was known to her family — had a strong spirit, keen insights, and a loving heart. She had high expectations of everyone and was a fierce advocate for all of her family. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all, including her three children, Kathy (John) Dwyer, John (Nancy) Schofield, and Alison (Peter) Steckowski, as well as her seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Jeremy, JP, Kate, Samantha, Kelly, and Ryan; and one great-granddaughter Addison.

Visitation hours are 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. Interment to follow immediately after visitation. Donations in memory of Alice Schofield can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).