Alice Irene Rodery

Alice Getsoian Rodery, age 94, died in Fountain Valley, California on New Year’s Day, 2022. Alice was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 31, 1927 to John and Margaret Kullian, two Armenian holocaust survivors. John, Margaret and Alice’s two siblings (George and Mary) all preceded her in death. In 1944, Alice graduated from MacKenzie High School and went to work as a stenographer for the War Labor Board. Over her lifetime until she was 80, she worked at various positions as secretary and bookkeeper in Detroit and Orange County.

At sixteen, she fell in love with Arthur Getsoian and in April 1946, after he returned from serving in the Navy, they married. Their two children, Marilyn and John, both attended the University of Michigan through their graduate degrees. Alice always touted this as her proudest accomplishment! Arthur and Alice were married for 31 years until his passing in 1977. In 1984, Alice married Marion “Rod” Rodery and moved to The Meadows in Irvine, California where they enjoyed golfing and an active social life until Rod passed in 1987.

Alice was a natural leader and organizer. She was a Lifetime Member of the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary and served as Auxiliary President of Broadhead Post 2269. Very involved at the Meadows, she served as President of the HOA Board and editor of the monthly “Chirps” community newsletter. She was also a representative on the Irvine mayor’s task force on senior housing. Alice loved words, language, speaking and writing, never failing to complete the daily crossword puzzle.

Alice loved to travel. With her golf league buddies she travelled to several renown golf courses from Maine to Hawaii. She also traveled through France, Turkey, Greece, the Holy Lands and went to Italy at 85! She also enjoyed dancing, playing cards with her girlfriends at the Meadows, reading, and being with her grand children, great grandchildren and other young people.

In 2012 she moved to Long Beach to live with her daughter, Marilyn and son-in-law, Bob. There she was known to many as "the lady who played Scrabble during lunch at CPK” with her beloved caretaker, Mari O’Connor. Alice loved her Bluff Park neighbors and was well known for giving speeches and toasts at parties. Her humor, storytelling and quick wit will be remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Alice is survived by daughter Marilyn (Robert) Paull, son John (Sue Salo) Getsoian, stepchildren Michael (Debra) Rodery, Susan Johnson, Laurie (Salvatore) Piccoli, Terri Morisky, and former son-in-law Michael (Vana) Surmanian.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Michael (Shaun) Surmanian, Mark (Crystal) Surmanian, Andrew (Elizabeth) Getsoian, Mars (Caitlin Witte) Getsoian, Chris Paull, Julia Paull, Lauren (Matthew O’Hanlon) Paull and Rod’s nine grandchildren.

Alice is also survived by 7 great grandchildren, 24 step great grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews. One niece preceded her in death.

See below for Services:

Long Beach Services: Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 11:00AM.

Bay Shore Congregational Church, 5100 E The Toledo, Long Beach, Ca  90803

All are welcome to attend.

Rev. Dr. David Clark, Officiant

Services provided by Luyben Dilday Mortuary

Detroit Services and burial

Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 1:00PM

Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel

19975 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203

Rev. Shonagh Taruza, Officiant

Services provided by McCabe Funeral Home