Alice J. Donaldson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Alice J. Donaldson, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, April 14, 2013. Alice was born on Oct 23, 1927 in Crawfordville, IN to Ralph and Ruth Olin Crowder. While performing as a vocalist with local big bands, she met the band drummer, Benjamin Franklin Donaldson, Jr. on Aug 16, 1947 they were married. He preceded her in death on Oct 24, 2009. Together they celebrated 62 happy years as husband and wife. Alice and Ben established the poplar and award-winning toy and hobby store, The Hobby Horse, in downtown St. Joseph, which they owned and operated for 17 years. She was also the Vice President of Parren-Donaldson, Inc., Treasurer of Monday Musical Club, Inc., business manager of West Coast Gym, LLC, as well as being involved in many other organizations. Alice approached life with enthusiasm, tenacity and boundless energy, and had a talent for organization, finance and detail. She is survived by her daughters, Laura Donaldson and Lisa Donaldson and her son, Benjamin Franklin (Angela) Donaldson III; her grandchildren, Sarah Swerbinsky (Brian) Clark, Lindsay(Mike Basel) Tuhacek, Allison (Andy Foster)Tuhacek, Hunter Johnston and Joseph Benjamin Donaldson; her great grandchildren, Keira, Caeden, and Braylen Kurtz, Maia Basel, and Trace and Avery Clark; her brother-in-law, James Donaldson; her nieces, Diane Winslow and Debra Donaldson; and her nephews, James, Jr. and Jeffrey Donaldson. Family services celebrating her life will be held at a later date and cremation has taken place. Burial of the ashes will be in Spring Run Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Monday Musical Club, the Humane Society, or in the form of fond memories. Please share memories, messages or photos at www.florin.net.

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Alice J. Donaldson

October 23, 1927 - April 14, 2013