Alice C. Cantwell

Albany, NY-Alice Catherine Cantwell passed away on July 13, 2024 at the age of 97. Alice was born in Bar Harbor, Maine on March 30, 1927 to John F. Cantwell Sr. and Bridget (Finnegan) Cantwell. Alice’s education began at St. Edward’s Grammar School and continued at Bar Harbor High School where she graduated in 1945. At graduation she received the Pineo Award which was a gold watch given to the person who exemplified the qualities of “the most honorable and upright” based on a vote from the student body. While living and working in New York she continued her education at Russell Sage College Evening Division, receiving a BA degree in sociology, government and economics. After graduation Alice held secretarial positions in Bar Harbor, ME, Troy, NY, and Albany, NY. In 1961 Alice accepted a secretarial position at Ford Motor Company in Albany. Her success at Ford led to her becoming the manager of the Northeast Region of Governmental Relations. She was the first female industrial lobbyist for an automobile company in the United States. Alice retired in 1994 and focused her attention on helping others. She was a member of the Soroptomist Club of Albany and was honored as a “Woman of Distinction”. She was described by the President of the Club as “a rare role model who has quietly risen in an unusually male dominated career. Her personality, detailed knowledge, hard work, and gracious manner won the trust and respect of all.” She was the first female member of the University Club and was offered the position of being the first female member of the board, but employment responsibilities prohibited her acceptance. She is also in Who’s Who of American Women (16th edition). Alice was a member of the Albany Symphony Orchestra/Vanguard, Albany Institute of History and Art, Albany Diocese Ladies of Charity, Kenwood Braile, The City Club of Albany, Inc. (President – 1998-2003), Co-Founder of the Regional Pro-Life Council, Member of the Holy Cross Respect Life, President of Holy Cross Seniors and Friends Group. Alice enjoyed yearly visits with her family and friends in Bar Harbor and attending the annual Bar Harbor High School Reunions in August. She loved playing “casual” golf, bridge, traveling to Europe and Ireland, and had an ongoing interest in politics. Alice was an extrovert who loved people, as people in Church and restaurants can attest. She was faithful, fun-loving and dependable, with a positive outlook on life. She continually manifested determination in living out her beliefs and faith. She had friendships with people near and far, of all ages and facets of life. A devout Catholic throughout her life, she attended daily Mass and was always interested in being of assistance. She thoroughly enjoyed buying her first home at the age of eighty. Her spirit will be missed. Alice was predeceased by her parents; four brothers, John Jr., William, Edward (infant) and James; nieces, Marcia Cantwell Sawyer and Agnes “Tillie” Cantwell Anderson, and sisters-in-law Mary Cantwell and JoAnn Cantwell. She is survived by nieces Alicia Mellow (Victor), Linda Campbell (Ernie), Jane Cantwell (Mieke), Patricia Cantwell-Keene (Alan), and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Alice is also survived by cousins in Ireland. The family is grateful to Sr. Helen Charles, RSM, Dr. Mary Ellen Drislane for her faithful and expert medical care. Special thanks to dear friends Dave Sowalsky, Tom and Jan Lawless, Tom and Michele Krajewski, Bert and Kathleen Peterson, Cindy and Larry Lavagne, the Parish of Christ the King Church, and the neighborhood friends for their prayers, support and visits to Alice. The family thanks the Teresian House staff and the Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm for the care that Alice received while a resident there. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Alice’s family Wednesday, July 17, 2024 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Church, Westmere, NY where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Relatives and friends are also invited to visit with Alice’s family Tuesday, July 23, 2024 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home, 1139 Main St, Mount Desert, ME 04660. You may visit their web site at www.JordanFernald.com. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated the next day, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 10:30 am at Holy Redeemer Church, Bar Harbor, ME. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Bar Harbor, ME. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Christ the King Church in Albany, Holy Redeemer Church in Bar Harbor, Sisters of Mercy, Albany, or Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.

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Alice C. Cantwell

March 30, 1927 - July 13, 2024