ALICE FESSENDEN

Alice Johnson Fessenden, 94, passed away peacefully October 26, 2017, in Henderson. She was born December 12, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Dr. Trimble and Alice Anderson Johnson. She enjoyed a southern childhood in Atlanta living on the same street as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Alice graduated from Washington Seminary (1940) and Sweet Briar College in Lynchberg, Virginia (1944), received a B.A. in Math, and later a Master’s Degree in Human Resources from the University of Utah. In 1945, Alice married “Yankee,” Marine pilot, William Newton Fessenden in El Centro, California. Over the next 71 years, the Fessendens lived in New York, Venezuela, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. Alice was an elementary teacher and principal in Ogden, Utah. After Bill’s passing in 1992, Alice moved to Mesquite, where she pursued a newfound interest in politics, served on the Mesquite City Council and the Nevada Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Being presented at the White House with the Republican Senate Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush was a highlight! Ten years later found her in Henderson to be closer to conservative political and cultural events and an international airport. Very well-traveled around the world, an avid reader and golfer, Alice was an exchange principal in England, studied language, history and art in Mexico, diamonds in South Africa, and schools in China, to mention a few. Special qualities included her independence, inquisitiveness and sharp intellect, disciplined elegance and the ability to enjoy and make connections with people around the world. She was a member of the Junior League and Daughters of the American Revolution. Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; parents; brother, Dr. James Trimble Johnson; and son, James Southwick Fessenden. Alice is survived by three children, Faith Fessenden (James) Jurschak of Reno, Lucinda Fessenden (Phillip) Wagner of Morgan, Utah, and Thomas Kent (Kathleen) Fessenden of Los Alamitos, California; four grandchildren, Ashley Elizabeth Wagner, Lindsay Katherine Wagner, Danielle Rose Fessenden and Haley Elise Fessenden. Alice was a generous, loving mother and grandmother with unmatched spirit, intellect, sense of humor and conservative American values. A 90th birthday party in 2012, with over 100 guests, served as a wonderful celebration of her life. Burial will be in Ogden, Utah with private graveside services to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to a charity of choice.