(Nee Ballenger). Entered into Eternal Life on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the age of 87. Alice was born on November 3, 1928 in Beckley, West Virginia, and was the daughter of the late Elmer and Ethel (nee Lively) Ballenger. She is survived by her children Kathleen, Jeannine Jacob, Denis (the late Karen F.), Jerome (Deborah), Alice Ann Whaley, Christopher (Linda Culhane), Mark and Richard (Liane) Donohoe. She is also survived by her sister Audrey (Thomas) Claypool as well as 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her former husband Vincent J. Donohoe, sons Kenneth and Patrick (the late Karen J.), granddaughter Crysta and siblings Roy and Ray Ballenger.

The eldest daughter of a coal miner, Alice spent her childhood in the Appalachian Mountains. At the age of 17, she entered Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and earned a Bachelor's Degree. She married Vincent Donohoe at the age of 21 and together they raised 10 children. The family moved to Milwaukee in 1961 where Alice attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned a Master's Degree in Social Work. She continued as a social worker for the Milwaukee Public School System at North Division High School and the Frederick J. Gaenslen School for Special Needs. In her retirement, Alice remained active in quilting and gardening. Her life and actions touched many lives. She was a generous and tireless advocate for the underprivileged, donating her time and making deliveries of food and clothing to those in need. For many years, she rented rooms in her home to international graduate students attending UWM. Her sharp wit, sense of humor and great story telling captivated those who were nearby. Above all, she was a dedicated mother and grandmother who loved her family and delighted in teaching them practical life lessons.

A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, February 20 from 11AM until 3PM with a prayer service at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Alice's name may be made to Operation Smile at operationsmile.org/Change Lives.

Brett Funeral Home
2001 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 342-0692