Alice Ann Bennett

Alice Ann Bennett, 78, passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2023 while holding hands with her son, Brad, alongside family and friends. Alice was born on August 18th, 1944 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She was the daughter of Winifred M. Newman (Brannan) and Charles L. Newman.

Alice’s schooling started at Martinson Elementary School followed by John Marshall Junior High. She graduated from Wichita High School North, class of 1962. After high school she was employed at WDAF radio and at WHB radio in Kansas City, occasionally appearing on air with "Alice's Analysis" school weather report. She graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Education then earned her Master of Arts + 60 hours in 1981 both coming from Central Missouri State University. She initially started teaching at Lincoln High School in KCMO where she met Brad's father, Bernie. They were married on June 12th, 1979.

Alice transferred to the KCK school district at Northwest Middle School before landing at Washington High School for most of her teaching career. She took great pride in teaching English, journalism, yearbook, newspaper, photography, and speech until retirement in May 2007. She enjoyed hearing from former students that continued journalism due in part to the impact she had on them.

Alice became a cancer survivor in 1994 and was known as a fighter who always "gave it her all" in everything she did.  Alice believed in serving others and giving back to the community. She found volunteer work rewarding and was always grateful for the opportunity. A lot of her volunteer work came with Unity Temple on the Plaza and NorthCare Hospice House creating Lasting Conversations that were very profound for her. She was also involved with Bra Couture KC (formerly known as Art Bra KC) for several years. She stylized and created decorative bras that were chosen to be on the runway and auctioned off for breast cancer awareness. She was proud that her designs were selected for such a good cause.

The happiest day of Alice's life was the day her son was born. Alice loved spending quality time with her son and his wife, Julia. Alice's passions after family were traveling, fashion, photography, and the arts. Alice traveled all over the world with her life partner, Bill, and they cherished visiting Paris, France for extended stays. Alice was loved by family and many friend groups. She will be remembered as an amazing Kansas woman that would never give up. She always tried to be polite and was always prepared. She had always wanted to write a book and was able to accomplish this feat as a lasting memoir to her family.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband Bernard Bennett, her brother Evret C. Newman, and nephew Brian Newman. She is survived by her son Bradley Bennett, daughter-in-law Julia Bennett (Biagioli), life partner Bill Flora, sister-in-law Ann Newman, and nephew Kevin Newman. A visitation will be held for Alice on Saturday, February 4th, 2023, from 2:00PM – 3:00PM with a Celebration of Life Party following immediately from 3:00PM - 5:00PM located at the Shawnee Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203. Alice's family suggests donations to the NorthCare Hospice House, Bra Couture KC or Unity Temple on the Plaza.

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