Alice B. Savage
South Deerfield, MA – Alice B. Savage, 97, passed away peacefully at
home on September 6, 2025, surrounded by the loving presence of her
family.
A lifelong resident of South Deerfield, Alice grew up on Eastern
Avenue, where she was raised by her mother Annie Brunkard, who was
widowed when Alice was only two years old. In 1955, Alice married
Joseph Savage, and together they raised seven children in the
cherished home they built down the road from Alice’s mother. Widowed
in 1993, Alice carried on with her characteristic strength, wit, and
unwavering positivity. She became the heart of her growing family-the
enthusiastic and deeply beloved “Nana” to fifteen grandchildren and
two great-grandchildren.
Alice graduated from Deerfield High School in 1946 and began work in
accounting, where she loved working alongside her sister Rita at the
Tap and Die in Greenfield. After marrying and devoting herself to
raising her family, she returned to the workforce at Wilson’s
Department Store and, later, at the Country Sampler gift shop. As a
generous volunteer, she gave her time to the Franklin County Hospital
gift shop and the local senior center. She was a devoted member of St.
James’s Church, contributing to many parish activities.
Known for being on-the-move with her beautiful white hair and radiant
smile, Alice was a joyful presence in her neighborhood-often seen
riding her bike or taking a walk. Her warmth, cheerfulness and good
humor were matched only by her humility and gratitude for life’s
simple pleasures: the outdoors, a good book, the company of family and
friends-and a good meal. Although everyone loved her apple pie,
nightly dinner was not her thing; her signature dish was burned
grilled cheese sandwiches! Perhaps that’s because Alice was in a hurry
to get to her favorite part of the meal. With a wink and a smile, she
advised her grandchildren, “Eat dessert first!”
Alice was a lifelong learner and avid reader, often with a book or
newspaper in hand. She had encyclopedic knowledge of her hometown,
which she loved dearly. She also loved traveling, and she embraced new
experiences with enthusiasm. For their 25th anniversary, she and Joe
fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting Ireland to celebrate their
shared Irish heritage. She especially cherished summer trips with
family to Eastham, Massachusetts, and winters among friends in Bonita
Springs, Florida. Whether exploring new places, visiting loved ones in
California, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, Alice approached every
journey with appreciation-and made new friends wherever she went.
Each summer, family and friends gathered to celebrate Alice’s
birthday. After blowing out the candles, when asked to say a few
words, she always began the same way: “I’m very blessed.” All who knew
her felt just as blessed to have known this truly one-of-a-kind gem.
Alice was predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph, her parents Annie
and John Brunkard, her sister Rita, and her brothers James and John
(“Jackie,” a WWII purple heart recipient). She is survived by her
children: Joseph Savage Jr., James Savage (Carol), John Savage,
Patrick Savage (Donna), Michael Savage, Ann Savage-Clift (Mike), and
Maureen Griffin. Alice was the very proud Nana to Megan (Max), Jaime
(Sam), Jake, Tess, Laura (Andrew), Lizzie (John), Emily (Stephen),
Mackenzie, Samantha, Shea, Jack, Kathryn, Lindsey, William, and
Matthew. She was also thrilled to be a “great Nana” to Willa and
Frances.
Alice was lovingly cared for by wonderful individuals, including
Sandra Connor-Misiun and Leanne Dowd. For the last three years, Leanne
provided compassionate care that greatly eased Alice’s journey.
Through her love and friendship, Leanne became family to Alice. Alice
lived happily and comfortably in her home, thanks to these caregivers
and the devoted support of her daughter Ann and her family, who lived
on her street and who meant the world to her.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 16th, at 11
am, at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 29 Sugarloaf Street, South
Deerfield, MA 01373, followed by a burial at Brookside Cemetery. A
reception will take place after the burial at the church hall to
celebrate Alice and share cherished memories.
In remembrance of Alice, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers,
memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports (vermontadaptive.org),
Shriners Hospitals for Children (shrinerschildrens.org) or a charity
of your choice.