Alice McKone, family matriarch
Alice McKone, 91, of Dover passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at Dover Place Assisted Living Center with her loving family by her side. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend and will be well remembered and loved by many.
Born May 17, 1930, in Billerica, Mass., she was the youngest child of the late David Cyril and Catherine Elizabeth (White) Martin. She moved to Lowell, Mass., at a young age where she attended Lowell schools, graduating from Lowell High School. During her teen years, she was proud to win the community tennis championship while playing on the boys team! She worked as a secretary with the Raytheon Company for many years before her marriage in 1955. She was the beloved wife of Thomas J. McKone and was married for 48 years before her husband’s death in August 2004. She lived in New Hampshire and Connecticut before settling in Dover in 1957. Although she called Delaware her home, she never lost her famous New England accent.
She was a devoted homemaker and reveled in raising her five children. She was involved in all of their activities and was always on the sidelines cheering them on.
Her strong Catholic faith guided her and she was an active member of the Church of the Holy Cross in Dover where she enjoyed attending daily Mass and serving others. She served as an Eucharistic Minister, taught RCIA classes, did hospital visiting, and was a member and past president of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality.
As an avid tennis player, she enjoyed playing the game well into her 70s and tried never to miss watching Wimbledon or the U.S. Open. She loved time spent with her family, enjoyed traveling, and made the best chocolate chip cookies.
Alice is survived by her five children: Mary Moor of Smyrna, Michael McKone and his wife Sue of Dagsboro, Thomas McKone and his wife Liz of Raleigh, N.C., Eileen Gsell of Virginia Beach, Va., and Frances Dorsey of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Her eight grandchildren also survive her: Erin Smith and her husband Matt of Richmond, Va., Brennan McKone and his wife Lara of Dover, Megan McKone of Raleigh, Jenna McKone of Richmond, Kathryn Gsell of Dover, Matthew Gsell of Claymont, Rachel Dorsey of Reynoldsburg and Bridgett Dorsey of Reynoldsburg; and her three great-grandsons – Liam, Breccan and Aiden. As well, she is survived by several nieces and nephews, all of whom she treasured.
She is predeceased by her parents, husband Tom, son-in-law Rick Moor and her siblings, Francis Martin, David Martin and Helen Hanlon.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff at Dover Place for everything they did to support Alice in her last few years. Thank you also to the staff of Seasons Hospice for their kind and compassionate care over the last few months.
A viewing is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 20, from 5 until 7 p.m., at Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director Inc., 1175 S. State St., Dover. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m., at Holy Cross Church, 631 S. State St., Dover. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Holy Cross Samaritan, 631 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901.
Condolences may be forwarded via www.ambruso.com.
