Obituary of Alice Joan Cichowitz

Alice Joan Wheeland Cichowitz,

Alice Joan Wheeland Cichowitz, 84, of Brighton, Colorado, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 12, while living at Greenridge Place Memory Care Community in Westminster, CO. 

Alice was born July 12, 1936, in Marietta, Ohio to William G. and Madelyn R. Wheeland. She had one younger sibling, James Wheeland.  Due to William’s job the family moved several times over the years ending up in West Hartford, CT.  In 1954, Alice graduated from William H. Hall High School in West Hartford.  She married Edward J. Cichowitz Jr. in 1956.  Edward was a navy pilot so the couple moved many times over the course of Ed’s navy career, including Georgia, California, and Okinawa, Japan. Their two sons, Brian and Chuck were born in Georgia; and their daughter, Cindy, was born in Okinawa.

The family settled in Escondido, CA where they raised their children.  In 1984 they relocated to Colorado Springs, CO to go into business with their son, Brian.  From there they lived in Leadville, CO, Gresham, OR, Anacortes, WA, and finally Brighton, CO. Alice was a stay at home mom until her children were older, then she worked alongside Ed in their businesses.

Family was Alice’s greatest passion. She poured everything into caring for her husband and children, and then her grandchildren. She attended all of her children’s school and sporting events, was PTA president, band mom, and her family’s loudest cheerleader at every event. 

Alice was a loving, compassionate, gentle soul. She also had the amazing ability to make friends everywhere she went. She was the type of person that would draw people near and then make them feel special.  She had a special passion for people in need and would reach out to them in a kind and loving way.  The Cichowitz home was always open to everyone, and over the years there were often extras living there.  Alice loved everyone unconditionally and was called “mom” by most. 

Alice was full of energy and life, always happy and positive. She was fun loving and adventurous.  She would eagerly engage in any activity or challenge and give it her all. She was a humble, happy person whose smile would brighten every room.  She loved to cook, sew, knit, and read.  She also loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time camping and skiing.  Alice was often found with her dog by her side.  She had several furry friends over the years.

Alice is survived by her husband Edward Cichowitz Jr. of Brighton, her son Brian (Debbie) Cichowitz of Colorado Springs, her son Chuck (Lindy) Cichowitz of Buena Vista, and her daughter Cindy (Keith) Fenley of Brighton, Colorado.  In addition, she has 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Madelyn Wheeland, and her brother, James Wheeland.

The family would like to express our sincerest gratitude for all of Alice’s caregivers and for the staff at Greenridge Place Memory Care Community in Westminster.  She was well cared for and well loved! 

Memorial Service to honor Alice:

Saturday, Oct 17^th

10 am.

Crossroads Church

19451 Huron St.

Northglenn, Co, 80234. 

Friends, family, and all those who knew her as “mom” are welcome! 

(**Please note - Out of respect and wellbeing of our guests and in accordance with current COVID-19 regulations/recommendations, please be prepared to maintain social distancing and wear face masks as required by the facilities.) 

Due limited seating due to COVID, if you are attending please RSVP to fenleykc@gmail,com.

Reception: In lieu of a reception, Ed and family would greatly enjoy a visit and an opportunity to share memories of Alice and our times together.  To schedule a visit, please email Cindy at fenleykc@gmail.com.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Alice’s honor be made to the Bluefield Project to Cure Frontotemporal Dementia. www.Bluefieldproject.org