Alice Cronan Reiley, 85, of Madison, died Dec. 23 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Alice was born Nov. 22, 1928 in Waterbury to the late Frances Michael Cronan, Sr., and Theresa Hughes Cronan of Waterbury and Madison. Alice was predeceased by her husband, Christopher John Reiley, and her brother Frances Michael Cronan, Jr.

Alice received her bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford and her master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State College. Alice also obtained her sixth-year during her 27 years teaching within the Guilford Public School System. Her students brought her much pride and teaching was her passion. She would run into her students everywhere and hear great stories of their appreciation for her encouragement and guidance.

Alice’s most treasured memories were with her tennis partners, bridge players, fellow teachers, The Golf Bags, traveling companions, old friends, new friends, neighbors and her family. There are too many dear friends to mention individually, but trust that you made her life the wonderful world in which she lived. She loved nothing more than meeting you on the porch at the Madison Beach Club, The Winter Club, or the many local restaurants to catch up. Alice’s family will be eternally grateful to all of you who attended her surprise 85th birthday party. She felt blessed, truly loved, and glowed for days afterward.

Alice’s love and commitment to her family were endless. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Reiley Obedin and her son-in-law Zachary, who truly became her son. Her second daughter, Susan, was always close by and held her hand until the end. Her other pride and joy were her grandchildren Miles, Ryan, and Reiley Obedin. She loved her summers on Seaview with the kids; swimming, teaching them tennis, and being called “Mom Allie” by them and all of their friends. She was everyone’s grandmother. Her house was always brimming with tons of kids, croquet mallets, wiffle balls and bats scattered over the lawn, Good Humor wrappers stuck to various surfaces, and a few windows lost in the pursuit of fun-- a perfect summer day. Her cabana at Seaview hosted many great family memories and will be rebuilt in her honor. A synopsis of her life would not be complete without mentioning her four legged loves Tippy, Thunder, Heather, Radar and Keiki – she loved them all.

A memorial Catholic service and celebration of Alice’s life will be held during the summer of 2014. Alice would request any memorial donations be made to The Connecticut Hospice, Branford, CT or the SPCA of CT, Monroe, CT.  Please visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com for tributes and condolences.