Alice Blanchard Akin

Where do I start to tell you about my Mother? She was a hometown girl from Ames, Iowa, born to older parents whose love for her had no measure. She and her future husband, Chuck Akin, were high school sweethearts: he, the consummate athlete; she, the cheerleader. They married after Chuck's graduation from Iowa State University and headed to San Antonio, Texas where Chuck would serve two years as a commissioned Lieutenant in the Air Force. A love affair was born (as well as a daughter!)! Alice and Chuck fell in love with Texas and never looked back. They spent most of their married life in Dallas where Alice excelled in homemaking, decorating and entertaining. As a couple, they were the perfect team: hospitable, friendly and generous. My Mother had the best sense of humor: I once told her she was the "funniest lady" I knew. She supported me and my brother, Joel, in all of our activities and was always there for us as my Dad traveled with his job. She was the heart of our home and lives--that is why we will miss her so much. She was a strong Christian and wouldn't want us to "grieve as those who have no Hope", but to await the day when, with Jesus, we will be reunited with her in our heavenly Home. She fought the good fight and finished her race at 90 years of age. How we wait to see her again! Her poodle Mitzi, was her constant companion and another member of our family. Mother used to say that Mitzi was smarter than most people she knew! Of course, she wasn't including her three granddaughters Alicen, Robyn and Emily or her great-grandson Elijah (Eli), and I hope her daughter Julie and son Dr. Joel Akin as well. Chuck, the love of her life, passed away April 15, 2013. We moved my Mother up to Fort Collins to be near us where she lived at Lighthouse Elder Care. It became home to her and to us as we visited her often and got to know the other residents. In her final months, she was lovingly cared for by the staff of Suncrest Hospice who cared for us as well. Her case manager Peggy, RN was so kind, supportive and gentle with her. And, I can't say enough about the staff at Goes Funeral CARE. They have helped make our Mother's death a good and peaceful one. My mother's life and death transformed a circle of strangers into a heart of love.