On this sad occasion, the Pastor, Board of Trustees, and all the auxiliary bodies of St. Sarkis Church, extend their heartfelt sympathy to Alice's family members.
Alice Schlegel peacefully departed this earth on November 21, 2021, at home in Dearborn, Michigan, surrounded by her two sons. Born April 25, 1930, in Detroit, she was the daughter of Khoren and Satenig (nee Mouradian) Vartanian. Growing up in the warm Armenian community of Delray, Alice received her education in the public schools, where her favorite subject was English, mastering her eloquent writing ability. Three days a week, after regular school hours, she attended Armenian school in the renown Findlater building. In her leisure time, Alice enjoyed playing basketball. She successfully graduated from Southwestern High School and enrolled in the Business Institute of Detroit, earning her diploma in Gregg Shorthand.
Utilizing her business skills, she became employed as a secretary at Ford Motor Company. Her office faced the Ford Rotunda and she remembered with sadness the day she watched the famous building burn down. However, fate has a happy destiny for her. Alice met her future husband, John Joseph Schlegel, who was also working at FoMoCo.
They dated for five years before the got married in 1962. The happy couple established their lovely home in Southfield, MI and were blessed with the birth of their three boys. They eventually moved to Dearborn where they established lifelong friendships with their neighbors on Snow Court. Alice derived her greatest love of life by being with her husband and sons. She was proud of her husband’s success at Ford Motor Company and her sons’ educational and career choices. She adored her grandchildren and cherished her visits to Chicago. Alice was a selfless mother who put her kids first and loved spending time with her extended family. She would have everyone over all the time, hosting with dinners and family entertainment.
She was an active member of the Armenian community and enjoyed seeing family and friends at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church.
Alice became quite the sports fan as an adult, cheering on her Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and never missed a Notre Dame football game. She loved traveling with John on business trips, and family vacations, with many fond memories in Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego and Miami. And now Alice, an angel from above, has joined her husband and first born, Johnny, in eternity. She leaves an impressive legacy of friendship and love.
FAMILY MEMBERS
Her beloved late husband John Joseph Schlegel; Dearest mother of Robert Joseph Schlegel, Thomas Khoren Schlegel, and the late Johnny Schlegel. Loving grandmother of Jack, Ben, Sam and Max Schlegel. Dear sister of the late Nick (the late Alice) Vartanian, the late George (the late Rose) Vartanian; And many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS
Funeral service will take place on Monday, November 29, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. in St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 19300 Ford Road, Dearborn, MI 48128, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.
Graveside service to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, MI.
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
Alice’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory be made to St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. To make an online donation, please click here.
CONDOLENCES
May God Rest Her Soul in Peace.
