Alice Duncan

Alice Duncan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Always thinking of others, she put their needs first and was willing to give a helping hand to friends and family in need. Frugal and modest, she lived a simple life and lived within her means. Her unconditional love and warm presence will be deeply missed by her many special friends and loved ones.

Alice Margaret Duncan, was born on September 26, 1934 in Chicago, IL to John and Sophie (Beres) Hragyil. 1934 saw the turning point in the Great Depression in America with unemployment decreasing. Born the third child of six, her birth brought much happiness into their family home.

Alice’s life was woven from the many small acts of love and sacrifice. Her dad worked as a baker in Chicago and lost his business during the Depression. They relocated to Ravenna, Michigan, so he could take up carpentry. In 1943, the family moved once again to Kalamazoo where she spent the rest of her life. Alice loved to share stories of her early days in Ravenna and Spring Lake where she made wonderful memories with her extended families. She walked to school and made lifetime friendships during her growing years. Alice loved to dance when she was young. Her dad would play the Concertina and the family would dance the Polka. Graduating with the Class of 1952 from Kalamazoo Central, Alice entered the world of work at the UpJohn Company. She loved her job and remained with the fast-growing company for a remarkable thirty-eight years before retiring in 1992.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of Robert Duncan, who changed the course of her life forever. They met on a blind date and the rest was history! The Kalamazoo State Theater was a favorite spot during their dating years. On June 4th, 1955, the happy couple joined in marriage. They raised their wonderful adopted son, David, since he was seven years old. As a mother, Alice was strict yet attentive. She made sure that the house was spotless and was always planning the next family adventure. They loved to go camping over the years as well as snowmobiling. She instilled in her son, David, to be kind to others and respect those who are less fortunate. A generous giver, she modeled these virtues for her loving family and always offered them her support and unconditional love.

In addition to her work and role as a mother, Alice held many special hobbies. She was an excellent seamstress and supplemented the family income sewing bridal gowns and doing alterations for many years. She also liked to garden and can vegetables. An excellent cook, her family looked forward to her special Hungarian meals and delicious coffee cakes. Alice loved to share her frozen jams and jellies with special friends and neighbors. She and Bob enjoyed going to the Kalamazoo Wings hockey games and were season ticket holders of forty years. She loved the thrill of the game as well as helping Bob sneaking in his own soda to avoid the high priced concession stand! She also enjoyed watching baseball, golf, and hockey at home as well as her favorite Willie Nelson Channel. Outgoing and social, Alice was always ready to go out and enjoy some fun and laughter! She and Bob always lived within their means and paid off their home so they could enjoy travel. In addition to exploring many areas around the country, they loved spending time at their cabin in Thompson, Michigan. In the cold winter months, they would head to their time share in Hilton Head to play golf. She and Bob shared a beautiful life together. Alice wanted nothing more than to share in the happiness and success of her husband, Bob, her son, David, and her grandsons who were her pride and joy.

Active and on the go, Alice enjoyed serving others. Even when she was busy, she would drop everything to make a meal for someone in need or take them some of her treats and jellies. Doing kind deeds for others, gave her life meaning and purpose. Described as generous, strong-willed, and hard working, Alice leaves behind a rich legacy of living her life to the fullest. May her family lean on the many beautiful memories she leaves behind and may they find comfort in knowing they were loved beyond measure.

Alice Duncan died on Saturday, June 28, 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Members of her family include Dave and Shelly Duncan, Kristy and Bob Flannery; 4 grandchildren: Andrew Peterson, Matthew (Leanne) Duncan, Michael (Rebecca) Duncan, and Hunter Duncan; and sister, Nancy. She was preceded in death by her husband and her brothers and sisters Helen, John, Frank, and Lillian. Life Story services will be held at 10 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Burial will be in the Genessee Prairie Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the Life Story Center at the funeral home. Celebrate Alice’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.