Mrs. Alice R. Haegele

Alice R. Haegele, (nee Dyke) age 97 years of Clarksboro died peacefully April 10,2021 at her most recent home in Mullica Gardens Assisted Living in Mullica Hill, NJ. She was a lifelong resident of East Greenwich Township having grown up in Mt. Royal and living on County House Rd. in Clarksboro for over 60 years. Mrs. Haegele grew up in Mt. Royal, one of seven children and attended school in East Greenwich graduating from Swedesboro High School. She went to work at the American Baptist Churches Publishing Company as a secretary after high school making the trek to Philadelphia. There she met the love of her life, Johnny, or as we all knew him, Jack. They were married on June 21, 1947 in the Berkley Baptist Church in Mt. Royal. After living for a few years with Jack’s brother in Philadelphia, they returned to East Greenwich, renting for a while and eventually building their home on County House Rd. in Clarksboro where her sister Marion and her husband Bud built a home next door. This created a wonderful family atmosphere for their children, Nancy, Linda, Terry, Janet and Gary to grow up. The tradition continued with her grandchildren, Jill and Kristi, her great nieces, Stacy and Jessica and her great nephews, Brian and Jeff. Alice continued to live in her home until March of 2020 when she moved to assisted living. Having come from a large family, Alice and Jack provided all of their extended family members a place to gather and visit. Many summers saw Alice’s sisters and brothers and their families staying over for an extended visit. Christmas holiday gatherings with Jack’s family were always looked forward to. Ham and her “special” mac and cheese with ice cream desserts were favorites. Alice attended the Berkley Baptist Church which was next door to her house growing up. Her faith was nurtured and grew so that as an adult she became very active being the church clerk and teaching Sunday School. Her strong faith sustained her throughout her life. She and Jack helped out wherever they could. While her children were in school. Alice was active in the PTA. As Jack became involved in local politics and eventually was elected to Township Committee Alice was the support person in the background, hosting many parties and good times at their home. Alice returned to the work force once her children were in high school. She worked at Superior Scale in Deptford and then at the N.J. Dept. of Labor first in Camden and the later in Trenton. She retired from the state in 1984. After losing her husband in August of 1984 she was devastated. “Leaning on the arms of the everlasting Father” as she said she was able to rally and continue to care for the inside and outside of her home until well into her 90s. She loved to work outside in her flower gardens and to mow the lawn(almost an acre). She used a push mower and at the age of 85 consented to a self-propelled mower. Alice was an avid reader her entire life and in her later years loved to read, do crossword puzzles and word searches. She continued to complete her puzzle books until her eyes failed her. Alice enjoyed going to the shore and loved the ocean. Many summers, she would enjoy time in Sea Isle City with her nieces Terry and Janet. A woman of many talents, she loved her family dearly. She enjoyed planning and having parties and barbecues making all the food herself. She loved organizing and cleaning and seemed to have boundless energy. She was caring and hardworking, honest and trustworthy. She leaves a legacy of kindness and caring that is unsurpassed. Alice and Jack were the epitome of the way marriage should work. Each supported and helped the other with whatever task was before them. Through the joys and wonders as well as the trials and tribulations of life, they were there for each other. They believed as well as practiced I Corinthians 13 4-8, a great example for their many family members and friends. By example, she taught her daughters as well as many nieces and nephews the value of family, how to nurture, love, disagree, forgive, help and care for each other. She taught us to accept change with an open heart and good attitude as she learned how to live as a widow, adjusted to not driving anymore and eventually leaving her beloved home. She deeply loved her granddaughters, Jill and Kristi and her great-grandchildren, Colton, Savannah and Scarlet. Even as her memory failed she continued to ask how each of them were doing. Alice was predeceased by her parents: Clara(Heritage) and Charles Dyke, and her siblings: Elizabeth(Joe) Lodge, Evelyn(Winn) Barr, Edwin(Beulah) Dyke, Florence(Ted) Duncan, Wilmer( Eleanor) Dyke, infant brother, Robert and Marion(Louis) Seagraves. She is survived by her daughters: Nancy Haegele, Linda(Roy) Muhlbaier, her grandchildren: Jill(Mike) and Kristi(Matt), her great-grandchildren: Colton, Savannah and Scarlet and many nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday April 15, 2021 in the McBride – Foley Funeral Home, 228 West Broad Street, Paulsboro. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Thursday morning after 9:30 until service time. Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. The family suggests that contributions in her memory be made to Salem Little League, PO Box 397, Quinton, NJ 08072. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

Mrs. Alice R. Haegele

October 23, 1923 - April 10, 2021