Alice McGee Memorial Fund

In 2000, when John was offered the position of Headmaster at Doane Academy, he called Alice to get her opinion. Her initial reaction was, “New Jersey is a parking lot.” However, her view soon changed after Alice and John arrived in Burlington, made friends, built lasting relationships within the wonderful school community, and began working to transform the school day by day over the next 15 years.

Initially known as the Head’s wife, Alice soon became beloved by both the Doane Academy community and those outside it for the warm and caring person she was. On her first visit to the school, while touring the Chapel, Alice turned to John and said, “God was in this place a long time.” This simple yet perceptive insight was one of the many qualities people came to welcome, appreciate, and embrace.

Before the start of their first year at Doane Academy, Alice and John prepared the school for the arrival of their first students. If you had walked the hallways then, you would have found Alice in a classroom, standing on a ladder, happily and unpretentiously painting the walls. This was Alice: a kind, caring, and genuine, who from the very beginning embraced both the school and the community. Over the years, Alice continued to contribute in her subtle and caring way. For example, recognizing the importance of School Families in Doane Academy traditions, Alice proposed gathering all the School Families together in the Dining Hall for a Thanksgiving meal. Thus, a new tradition was born. Year after year, Alice warmly welcomed students, teachers, and staff, and eagerly helped with any school task, activity, or project. Most importantly, Alice had a special gift for listening and expressing her thoughts in a few words that spoke volumes. With her warm smile and attentive manner, she made everyone feel comforted and uplifted.

Alice touched many lives during her time in New Jersey and was a beloved mentor to many. She was an integral part of the school community and significantly contributed to its success throughout her time with John at Doane Academy. After fifteen years at Doane Academy, Alice, and John moved to their small farm in Breezy Point, Minnesota to be closer to family. Although they had left Doane, Alice often looked back fondly on her time here and the many friends she made in New Jersey. Her time at Doane Academy was a memorable chapter in her life.

Alice died on July 26, 2024, at the age of 76, at home with her husband, John, and daughter, Mandy, by her side after a heroic thirteen-year battle with blood cancer. Over the years, and especially in the last several months, she was loved and supported by friends and family from coast to coast, including her children: Sean McGee, Melanie Dotty, Katie McGee, Peter McGee, Mandy McGee, and John McGee, as well as her 14 grandchildren.

Alice will be remembered for her free spirit, humor, authenticity, and wise counsel to all who were fortunate to know her. One of her favorite sayings was, “I will be grateful for this day.” Let us be grateful for Alice’s gentle spirit and warm soul.