Alice Jean (Olmstead) Palatas, 93, passed away peacefully July 6th, 2024 surrounded by her children.
Born to Lucy (Hamilton) and J.C. Olmstead in Bellevue, MI, she was the fifth of nine children. Growing up, Alice had many jobs including working at a beauty salon, movie theater and the local drugstore/soda fountain. Eventually she became acquainted with Dorothy and Bob Lane. The Lane’s became a second family to Alice when she began regularly helping to run their household and care for their three children Bobby, Kay and Sue. After highschool, Alice graduated from Sparrow Nursing School in East Lansing as a Registered Nurse.
In 1954, Alice met her future husband and love of her life Michael Palatas who was attending Michigan State University. They married in 1955 and the following year Alice and Mike were blessed with twins Barry Michael and LuAnne D. Fresh out of college, the family moved to Greencastle, PA with Mike’s new job at Corning Glass Works. In 1961 Lynn Marie was born and the family moved to Big Flats, NY near Corning headquarters. Alice truly became the rock of the family due to Mike’s busy travel schedule, but over the years she did enjoy traveling with him to Europe, India and Brazil.
Mike and “Sweet Alice” as she became known, had a wonderful life in the Corning area and spent summers at the family cottage on Keuka Lake. When their children were grown, they became snowbirds spending summer at Keuka Lake and winters at Timber Pines Golf Club in Spring Hill, FL. In both locales Alice and Mike loved to entertain and have fun with their many close friends. Alice moved from Florida to Rochester, NY in 2017 to be closer to family.
Alice was a caring person and would look after the elderly at Keuka Lake part time. She was also a hospice volunteer in Florida. One of her favorite past times were puzzle books to keep her mind
sharp – which worked! She played bridge for many years and took up MahJong in Florida. Alice enjoyed shopping, following The Royal Family, reading articles on ways to stay healthy and collecting recipes. She was an accomplished cook and hosted many Gourmet Club dinners. Alice kept in touch with her sisters and their families in Michigan and would visit when she could. She was truly grateful for her wonderful life, but most of all she was grateful for her family.
Alice was preceded in death by husband Michael in 2013, daughter LuAnne Palatas Bentzoni in 1994, as well as by her parents, brothers Wendell and Everett, sisters Elizabeth, Edna, Helen and Sally. She was also preceded in death by Dorothy and Bob Lane, Sue and Jerry Lade and Bobby Lane. She is survived by her son Barry (Prudence) of Fairport, NY, daughter Lynn Delaney (Don) of Venice, FL, son-in-law Russ Bentzoni and his wife Cathy of Shortsville, NY, as well as sisters
Sue Wing and Ilene McDonald of Michigan, Kay Babbitt of Spring Hill, FL. Her grandchildren include Nicole Bentzoni Wolf (Charlie), Lee Bentzoni (Kim), Karen Palatas Thering (Steven), Greg Palatas (Mike Hanss), Chris Delaney (Pam) and Michael Delaney (Jay Johnson). Alice had nine great-grandchildren: Olivia, Cameron and Griffin Thering; Esther LuAnne Wolf; Cora, Sawyer and Remi Bentzoni; Connor and Lauren Delaney. Alice was also blessed with many, many loving nieces and nephews.
A mass celebrating Alice’s life will be held Saturday, July 27th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Pittsford, NY. On Tuesday, July 30th she will be interred with the love of her life at Bath National Cemetery at 11 a.m. Friends and family are welcome to attend one or both services. Kindly text your attendance intentions to Lynn Palatas Delaney 585-469-4369 or Barry Palatas 585-730-9503. Contributions in Alice’s memory can be made to The Open Door Mission,156 Plymouth Ave.Rochester, NY 14608 www.opendoormission.com or Saint’s Place, 46 South Main Street, Pittsford, New York 14534 www.saintsplace.org.
Lynn, I have so many memories of how caring your mom was. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. I know both she and your dad were very special to my mom and dad. Sending prayers to all of you.
Thank you so much Trisha! Yes, your parents were very special to my parents. What a great generation they were and what a wonderful childhood we had in Big Flats. My Mom in pretty good shape right up until the end, we were blessed, and we got to celebrate her with two wonderful services. I know your Mom passed way too young, but I do remember her as well. Thanks again.
My parents, John and Peggy Potts, were very close friends with Mike and Alice. Some of my fondest memories are the times I spent at Uncle Mike and Aunt Alice’s home on Keuka Lake, being woken up to go fishing at 5:00am by Uncle Mike. The entire Palatas family were always a very fun-loving family and always welcomed us when we visited. There was not a year that went by where my family did not mention Uncle Mike and Aunt Alice at one point. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and God bless Alice for the memories she created for myself and many others.
Thank you so much Mark! What a great memory. Your parents were very special to my parents. They always kept in touch. And I can’t believe I am still in touch with Tracey after all these years. What a great generation they were and what a wonderful childhood we all had. My Mom in pretty good shape right up until the end, we were blessed, and we got to celebrate her with two wonderful services. I know things are challenging with your Mom now, hang in there. So wonderful to hear from you. Thanks again. Lynn
We just want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Palatas family. We were amazed at your large family and the life your mom had! Wonderful, giving person. We wish we had met her.
If there is anything you need or anything we can do, do not hesitate to reach out 💜
Thank you so much! What a great generation our parents were. As you know, my Mom was in pretty good shape right up until the end, we were blessed, and we got to celebrate her with two wonderful services. Thanks again my special friends! Lynn
Love and prayers to the whole Palatas family. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed. ❤️🙏🏼
thank you and alice and uncle Mike and Luanne you always had a special place in my heart and I thank you for being in my life hope you make things better !
Love you all
Dave
Thank you so much Dave. I love how Facebook has helped us all stay connected. My Mom in pretty good shape right up until the end, we were blessed, and we got to celebrate her with two wonderful services. So wonderful to hear from you.! Thanks again. Cousin Lynn
Lynn,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May your memories provide peace and healing. Sending prayers 🙏
Thank you so much De! What a great generation our parents were. I hope you are well!! My Mom in pretty good shape right up until the end, we were blessed, and we got to celebrate her with two wonderful services. So wonderful to hear from you. Thanks again. Lynn
Aunt Alice was a kind and quiet lady who was a great cook and made everyone feel welcome when she entertained. She will be missed—blessings to her entire family.
Thank you so much Dennis!! So good to hear from you. What great memories. We always loved visiting Baba and Zedo and our aunts, uncles and cousins in Pittsburgh. My Mom in pretty good shape right up until the end, we were blessed, and we got to celebrate her with two wonderful services. I hope you are well, and many thanks again. Cousin Lynn
Alice you were a joy to hang out with in the afternoons while I was taking care of Jo. Your friendship was special and Jo loved you very much. You two were a hoot together. I loved knocking on your door to hand you a bag of fresh vegetables out of my garden. Peaches from the farm and a nice crisp glass of Pinot. I will miss you. I am thankful that our paths crossed. Rest Easy and say hello to Jo.
Nancy
Thank you so much Nancy! We are so glad you became close to Mom in her last chapter. She was a joy and we appreciate your friendship. Lynn Delaney
Lynn, I and my family so sorry to hear of her passing. We always remember the wonderfull time we spent wiht her and your dad travelling together in Brazil and our visits in Keuka Lake.
She was a sweet person in special with relations with my two daughters.
Be sure, she and your dad Mike, was vey special to us, and we will never fogether them.
If one day you our your member your family visit Brazil, we will be pleased to receive in your home.
We are sending prayers to all of you
Thank you Arnaldo! You all were very special to Mom and Dad. I am so glad you received my message. I am glad you have many great memories of them and Keuka Lake. My Mom in pretty good shape right up until the end, we were blessed, and we got to celebrate her with two wonderful services. So wonderful to hear from you. Thanks again. Lynn
Thank you so much! What a great generation our parents were. As you know, my Mom was in pretty good shape right up until the end, we were blessed, and we got to celebrate her with two wonderful services. Thanks again my special friends! Lynn