Alice Jean Merle McLaren (nee Thornton)

March 12, 1933 - March 7, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alice Jean Merle Mclaren (nee Thornton) on March 7, 2023. Alice passed peacefully in Lethbridge surrounded by her children.
Born March 12, 1933, in Winnipeg, to Allan James Thornton and Ragnheidur Thornton (nee Bjarnson), Alice spent her childhood and high school years growing up in Gimili Manitoba. After graduating from high school, she moved to Vancouver, and it was there that she met Al. They were married in Gimli on June 11, 1953, and were inseparable for 50 years until Al's passing in July 2003.
Alice was proud of her Icelandic heritage and her Vinarterta and Ponnukokur were always much anticipated treats. She loved her church, the outdoors, walking, travelling and the little house in Comox where so many happy memories were made.
Most of all, she loved her family, and nothing made her happier than having the house filled with friends, children, grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren. Her laughter was spontaneous, infectious, uninhibited, and reflected her joy and happiness in the moment.
Alice was predeceased in 2003 by her husband of 50 years, Al Mclaren, and grandson Marshall in 2013.
She is survived by her children Sandy (Jerry), Bob (Louise) and Terri (Ross); grandchildren Matt (Carolyn), Alison (Mike), Graham (Amy), Caitlin (Ean), Claire (Shawn), Keltie (Todd), Zackery (Diane), Stephanie (Geordie) and Rebekka (Josh); and her great-grandchildren William, Charlotte, Benjamin, Hargrave, Axel, Thora, Rowan, Molly, Harris, Levi, Blake, McKinley and Ella.
She also leaves behind her sister Betty Stevens, nieces Lori and Joan, and her cousins in England.
She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Alice's life will be held on Wednesday June 21st, 2023 at 12:00pm at Comox Valley Funeral Home 1101 Ryan Rd Courtenay, British Columbia. Refreshments to follow in the Garden Room and Outdoor Patio of the Funeral Home.
Should friends wish, donations in Alice's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (www.alzheimer.ca) would be appreciated.