Alice M. (Martin) Gage

Alice M. Gage, Otis, MA, passed away September 17, 2021, after a recent stroke.

She was born Alice Marie Martin, October 29, 1941, in Bennington, VT to parents Christen and Thelma (Stumbaugh) Martin.  She is predeceased by her spouse, Leon Robert “Bob” Gage, with whom she proudly celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012.  She is also predeceased by her parents, her sister Mary Jane Drake and her brother James Christen Martin.

Alice was a strong, independent woman who lived her life fully and thoughtfully.  She was a kind person who frequently performed random acts of kindness.  She was well known for her terrific sense of humor, genuine laugh and creativity.  One of her favorite holidays was Halloween, where she would go “all out” frightfully decorating and dressing the part, thrilling all the local trick-or-treaters!  

She was an accomplished, self-taught, award winning painter.  She was sought out for her talent for portraits and was equally talented with landscapes.  She loved nature and often took pictures of it, local architecture and people, so that she could immortalize them in paint.  She enjoyed her time as both member and Treasurer of the Housatonic Valley Art League.

Alice always had a determined nature.  Always desiring to play the violin, but too busy in her younger years, in her 70’s she took lessons and loved playing for her friends and family.

She also had a knack for cooking and could easily make any foods seem special.  She was well known for her dinner parties and special gatherings where attendees expected something wonderful and were never disappointed.

Alice made many friends throughout the years as a waitress and then a cook at Joe's Diner in Lee, Machine Technician/Custodian at local Lee mills and Otis school bus driver.  She even drove a dump truck for the Leon Gage Trucking company, which she and her husband owned.  After retiring, Alice became a snowbird, wintering at her second home in South Daytona, Fl.  However she always was proud to claim Otis as her hometown, feeling that it was a special place.

She leaves her adored sons Christen (Kathy) Gage of South Daytona, Fl and Paul Gage of Otis, MA.  Her sisters, Beverley Botelho of Adams, MA, Janet White of Gainesville, FL, Ruth (Pliny) Sohl of Bunnell, FL and Deborah (Ron) Nicholas of Pittsfield, MA.  Along with brothers-in-law Edwin Drake of Deep Water, MO, Gary (Robin) Gage of  Chicopee and sisters-in-law Tisha Losaw of East Lee, Marie Stanard of Lee.  She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews and cousins.  As well as her dear friend Pat Loucks Of Otis, MA and her many friends, including those at the Otis Senior Center.

Alice's ashes will be buried at a 1pm graveside memorial service, Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the Town of Otis Cemetery, Route 23 West, Monterey Road, Otis, MA (Near Otis Ridge/Ski Resort).  All are welcome and casual dress is requested. 

A gathering for all will take place immediately following the service at 98 Ed Jones Road in Otis. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Otis Council On Aging, in care of Kelly Funeral Home 3 Main Street, Lee, MA.

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