Alice B. Whitten

PEORIA - Alice B. (Lysak) Whitten, 89, of Peoria, was granted her eternal peace with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 12:30 am at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria when she succumbed to her lengthy and courageous battle against breast cancer. Alice’s faith was always her first priority and the source of her strength through countless difficult times throughout her life. This was no truer than when she was informed in March 2017 that all options for future cancer treatment had been exhausted. As she often described to her sons her battle with cancer was just part of her life’s eternal journey that she knew would bring her ultimately to be in the presence of her Lord. She was born on October 20, 1927 in Chicago, IL (Saint Procopius Parish) to Cyril and Marie (Stepancik) Lysak. Alice was the second child of Czech immigrant parents who had come to America to pursue a better life. Following graduation from Lourdes HS in 1945 she worked in the Chicago area in bookkeeping, clerical, and administrative support positions for several companies. The experience, skills, and knowledge she gained would in the end be of great use to her in her business life in Peoria. In June 1949 she married Thomas E. Whitten, Sr. and shortly thereafter they moved to Peoria, IL. Alice and Tom would eventually start their own business in 1955 – Adams Cabinet & Fixture Co. later dba Adams Builders Supply. Alice was the backbone of the business and was responsible for all the bookkeeping and financial matters, and had a major role in the day-to-day operations of the business. For over twenty years, Adams Builders Supply was a very successful business thriving in the post-WW II growth of the greater Peoria area. In retirement Alice remained active in the Peoria community serving as a Eucharistic minister at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Peoria Heights, IL, a volunteer at Methodist Hospital, a member of a sewing guild, and found time to attend classes at Bradley University and ICC. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post #94 Flatonia, TX. Alice had a life-long passion for sewing. She was a self-taught accomplished seamstress. She applied this passion to countless baptismal and special occasion garments as well as heirloom Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. Alice designed and created vestments for the priests of St. Thomas parish. She enjoyed sewing her own outfits and creating new designs. Alice’s family was always a priority. She was blessed with a large and still growing family that includes the following: Mike(son) and wife Andy of Praha, TX; Dale(son) of Parker, CO; Tom(son)[deceased March 2008] and wife Lisa of Dunlap, IL, Jerry(son) and wife Cheryl of Geneva, IL, Theresa(daughter)[deceased January 2013], and Pat(son) and wife Bridget Burke of Peoria, IL. Also surviving Alice are fifteen grandchildren: Mike,Jr.(grandson) and wife Sherri of Woodstock, GA; Chris(grandson) and wife Brooke of Spring City, PA; Elizabeth(granddaughter) and husband Ron Bachan of Deerfield Beach, FL; Mattie(granddaughter) of Centennial, CO, Aliska(granddaughter) of Centennial, CO; Andrew(grandson) and wife Andrea of Dunlap, IL; Doug(grandson) and wife Kim of Cincinnati, OH; Sarah(granddaughter) and husband John Pomponi of Munster, IN; Greg(grandson) and wife Liz of Dunlap, IL; Matt(grandson) and wife Laura of St. Petersburg Beach, FL; Brett(grandson) of Chicago, IL; Christine(granddaughter) of Chicago, IL; Riley, Jack, and Charlie(grandsons) of Peoria, IL; and to date sixteen great-grandchildren. Additionally, Alice is survived by her sister Mildred Foytik of St. Charles, IL; one niece and five nephews. Alice’s family is deeply grateful for the exceptional and heartfelt care she received while in hospice. Every member of the OSF Home Health staff, Dr. Philip Olsson and the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home staff were dedicated, skilled, and gifted professionals. In lieu of flowers, Alice’s family requests memorials in her name be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 Illinois State Route #91 Peoria, IL 61615. Funeral services, coordinated by Wright & Salmon are scheduled as follow: Friday, 2 June 2017 visitation at Wright & Salmon Mortuary from 4:00 – 7:00 PM; Saturday, 3 June 2017 10:30 AM at Saint Thomas Church, Peoria Heights, IL Memorial Service and Funeral Mass. Private family interment services at Olio Township Cemetery, Eureka, IL. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com