Alice Lycan of Columbia, SC passed away peacefully on December 25, 2023, after a long and wonderful life. Alice was born on August 4, 1926, in Pawtucket, RI. She graduated from East Senior High School in 1944 as her class Vice President and went on to earn a degree in Education at Rhode Island College in 1948. She taught school for several years before traveling to Germany to teach at the Department of Defense Schools. It was there that she met Dan, a First Lieutenant in the United States Army. They married in September 1955. Alice and Dan went on to have 5 children: Karen, Dan, Suzanne, Mary, and John. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Through Dan's extensive military career, Alice was a proud Army wife who exemplified loyalty, honor, and selfless service. From making every move an adventure for her children, to acting as a guiding presence for her family through Dan's deployments, she continually faced adversity and loss while holding an unwavering faith in God.

In her later years, Alice became affectionately known as "Grandmother" to Eve, Allie, Cooper, Brody, Katie, John, Mary Alice, and Tessa. The family enjoyed visiting Dan and Alice in their beautiful Virginia home, where they hosted many joyful celebrations. Dan and Alice retained their adventurous spirit and traveled across the US and Europe, enjoying classical music concerts and making lifelong friends.

A lover of art, poetry and music, Alice was always supportive of creative traits in her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed nature, from a love of birds to nurturing her expansive garden. Her passion for travel included a deep appreciation of history, cuisine, and the new connections she made everywhere that life brought her. Through her daily practice of her cherished Catholic faith, Alice served as an example of love and devotion to her family.

Alice's family will remember her as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose gentle nature was equally matched by her strength and perseverance. A true teacher at heart, she taught lessons of patience, faith, and grace to all she encountered until she finally joined her son John, her sister Agnes, and her beloved Dan in Paradise on Christmas morning. She leaves behind her brothers Bert and John, her children Karen, Dan, Suzanne, and Mary, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many dear friends whose lives she touched with her kind spirit.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the caregivers who spent time with Alice in her final years. We appreciate the love and care you extended to our mother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Rd, Columbia, on Thursday, January 4, at 12 o'clock noon. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

The interment will be held at 1 o'clock, Friday, April 12th in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the St. John Neumann School Library, 721 Polo Rd., Columbia, SC 29223.