Alice K. (Kiesewetter) Markiewicz

Alice K. Markiewicz, a retired Upper Darby school teacher and Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year finalist, died on Thursday, December 26th at the age of 103.

Alice was born the eldest of nine children in Metamora, Illinois, on January 17, 1921. At that time, it was not a priority for young women to finish high school. Alice not only graduated from high school as first in her class, but she also went on to earn her Bachelors degree in Education from Illinois State University and her Masters degree in Guidance Counseling from Northwestern University.

Alice began her teaching career in Illinois where she met her late husband Paul. They moved to Delaware County to continue their careers in education. Alice taught typing and shorthand at Upper Darby High School, and then taught computer word processing, as technology changed the business experience. It was in 1980 that Alice was selected as a Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year finalist.

After retiring from teaching, Alice did not stop. She worked until the age of 93 for an investment management company in Media, PA, setting up trusts and drafting correspondence to lobbyists.

Alice was a woman before her time. In addition to earning her advanced education, Alice raised a family of four, going to work full time when her youngest daughter started first grade. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing both her children’s and her own clothes. Alice was known for baking scrumptious apple pies and apple crisp. Her Christmas cookies rivalled those from any bakery.  Her gardens were the envy of the neighborhood with unique perennials blooming throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall.  She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed evenings with her family playing pinochle, teaching her grandchildren and great grandchildren the art of the win.

Alice was a woman of deep faith, being an active member of Holy Cross Parish for over 65 years.  Additionally, she had been a member of both The Holy Cross Women’s Club and the Active Seniors. She joined weekly Bible Study, as she always wanted to grow spiritually.

Beloved wife of the late Paul E. Markiewicz; devoted mother of Margaret Anne (Timothy) Sayers, Raymond P. (Maureen) Markiewicz, Marie M. (John) Koethe and Anne M. St. Clair; Loving grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and sister of Luella Shawhan (Wisconsin) and Marge Mason (Illinois).

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation Sat. Jan. 4, 2025, at 9:30am at Holy Cross Church, 651 E. Springfield Rd. Springfield, PA 19064 and to her Funeral Mass 10:30am in the Church. Int. SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Holy Cross Church. 

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