September 02, 1953 - July 12, 2010

An incredible woman who passed our way.

Alice Zingery Van Meter passed away peacefully at Evergreen Hospice 7/12/2010 with her husband at her side after waging war on melanoma for 3 years. She was born 9/2/1953 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and spent her tumultuous childhood in Kent, Ohio. Her commitment to becoming a teacher was fulfilled at Kent State University, and she worked in a variety of settings over the next 30 years including public schools, private schools, and tribal schools. She was always committed to doing the best for her students and challenging them to do their best. Her last job teaching ELL at Lake Forest Park Elementary School was the job of her dreams, and she leaves behind many colleagues and students who will miss her deeply.

Alice married Keith Van Meter in 1975 and began preparing for a new life away from her family, and in 1979 she and Keith put 16 bags on an Amtrak train and moved to Seattle, sight unseen. She loved the Northwest, and she spent many hours on beaches collecting her beloved beach glass. Her mane of red curly hair and radiant smile were trademarks, and her warmth and wicked sense of humor engaged so many that crossed her path in life. Despite bad knees all her life, she could not sit still for music as others marveled at the rhythm that ruled her soul. She leaves behind so many friends and work colleagues that mourn a unique and extraordinary woman that passed their way.

Alice also loved to travel, and despite starting later in life, it became a passion. She loved mingling in other cultures and got to experience many on her wish list including Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Mexico, and Costa Rica. A “bucket list” trip to South Africa last August during a break from treatment brought her great joy and great memories that her husband will treasure forever.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

Alice was cremated at her request, and there is not going to be memorial service at this time. There will be a celebration to a life well-lived next July to remember this incredible woman who passed our way.

DONATIONS

Donations can be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation to continue the battle on the fastest rising cancer in the world. Donations can also be made to CaringBridge, which proved to be an invaluable communication tool during her most difficult journey. Postings there provided so much comfort and joy, and others deserve this service in the fight for their lives. For more details on Alice’s own remarkable journey battling melanoma, please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/alicevanmeter.

Memorial

Just as the Wave Cannot Exist

Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me. It is an uncomfortable doctrine which the true ethics whisper into my ear. You are happy, they say; therefore you are called upon to give much.

Albert Schweitzer

Looking into the portals of eternity

Looking into the portals of eternity teaches that the brotherhood of man is inspired by God's word; Then all prejudice of race vanishes away.

George Washington