Alice M. Demichelis' Obituary
Alice Vignocchi Demichelis, 83, found her eternal peace in Dunedin FL on July 14, 2017. Mom, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin of many, she was always full of life and strived to make others happy, too. Alice was hostess to many lively extended family holiday gatherings that included college youth living nearby, who would learn to make her house their home. With friends, Alice and Bob created the annual Samuel Dent Band Memorial Croquet Tournament . They featured five limed Class A croquet courts with referees, a Dixieland band playing alongside a beer wagon, a stuffed Cuddly Duddly, lots of big zucchini, and plenty of games. Alice kept her doors as open as her heart.
Born in Highland Park IL to Giovacchino Vignocchi and Helen Maxine Krueger Vignocchi, she grew up quickly with two young brothers, Roger (deceased) and John, of Lake Forest, IL. She entered a radio journalism program at Lindenwood College in Missouri. Then, Alice married Robert J Demichelis (deceased), and in 1955 - 1959, they gave birth to four children, Deana (deceased), Robert II, Stephen (deceased) and Julia. Grandchildren Heather and Eddie Jenigen joined the family much later.
Alice was a lifelong appreciator and volunteer of the arts. She was an avid golfer and champion at her country club in Northern Virginia. She was also a nationally renowned advocate for families with traumatic brain injury, and received several awards for her undaunted efforts. Alice traveled to Lithuania, Russia, India, Spain, Hungary, Denmark, Italy, and Ireland as well as throughout the US to assist families to heal through her tireless advocacy work. Retired in 2013, Alice moved to Dunedin, where she found many new friends, and enjoyed puzzles, painting, and sunny afternoons.
In lieu of flowers, it was Alice's wish that donations be made to the Brain Injury Association of America, in which an online donation page has been establshed:
http://weblink.donorperfect.com/AliceDemichelis
The website is live and donations can be made at any time.
Alternatively, donations by check (with Alice’s name in the memo field) can be mailed to:
Brain Injury Association of America
P.O. Box 7416
Merrifield, VA 22116-7416
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