August 18, 1944 – January 21, 2023
Alice Ann Bennett, 78, died peacefully on January 21, 2023 while holding the hand of her son Brad, along with family and friends. Alice was born on August 18, 1944 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She was the daughter of Winifred M. Newman (Brannan) and Charles L. Newman.
Alice’s schooling began 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 WHB radio in Kansas City, occasionally appearing on the air with the school weather report “Alice’s Analysis”. She graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, then she received her Master of Arts + 60 hours in 1981, both from Central Missouri State University. She initially began teaching at KCMO’s Lincoln High School, where she met Brad’s father, Bernie. They got married on June 12, 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 she retired in May 2007. She enjoyed hearing from former students that she continued journalism partly because of 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. Much of her volunteer work has come with Unity Temple on the Plaza and NorthCare Hospice House creating lasting conversations that have been very profound for her. She has also been involved with Bra Couture KC (formerly known as Art Bra KC) for several years. She has stylized and created decorative bras that have been 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 in Alice’s life was the day her son was born. Alice loved spending quality time with her son and wife, Julia. Alice’s passions after family were travel, fashion, photography and the arts. Alice has traveled the world with her life partner, Bill, and they have loved visiting Paris, France for extended stays. Alice was loved by family and many groups of friends. She will be remembered as an extraordinary Kansas woman who will 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 memento for 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 Visit for Alice will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, 2:00-3:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life party immediately following from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Shawnee City Hall, 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203 Alice’s family suggests donations to NorthCare Hospice House, Bra Couture KC or Unity Temple on the Plaza.
