Alice Schopieray

Alice Ann Schopieray (Nelson), 82, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on February 22, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

Alice Ann was born December 28, 1937, in Traverse City to William C. and Alice (Deering) Nelson. On Nov. 26, 1955 she married her childhood sweetheart Joseph (Pete) Schopieray in Traverse City.

After the birth of her daughters JoAnne and Susan, Alice Ann worked at Vince's Restaurant and R.L. Polk before finding employment for many years as an administrative assistant with the State of Michigan, retiring in 1992.

After retirement, Alice Ann and Pete enjoyed wintering in Orange Beach, Alabama. They lived on beautiful Lake Leelanau the remainder of the year, where (in 1996) they fulfilled the lifelong dream of building their forever home. Over the years they hosted many gatherings of family and friends, everyone encouraged to 'take a dip in the lake.'

Alice Ann and Pete always enjoyed camping and traveling with their grandchildren. Alice Ann's family was the cornerstone of her life. A Catholic, she would often advise those in times of trouble to 'pray to St. Jude.'

Alice Ann is survived by Pete, her husband of 64 years; her daughters JoAnne (Kim) Couturier and Susan (Bob) Barnett, grandsons Matt (Carol) Couturier, Scott J. Couturier, Kellen and Robert Barnett, sister Abbie J. Nelson, brothers-in-law Ed (Rita) Schopieray, Don (Pauline) Schopieray, Leonard (Mary) Endres, Larry (Sandy) Endres, and sisters-in-law Barb Richards and Karen Endres, alongside many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, grandson Andrew, and brothers-in-law Ronald Endres and Lloyd Richards.

Per Alice Ann's wishes, a celebration of life will be held this summer beside the lake she so loved.

Those who wish to remember Alice Ann in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Father Fred Foundation (826 Hastings St., Traverse City 49686) or The Carmelite Monastery (3501 Silver Lake Rd., Traverse City 49684).

The family would like to thank French Manor Assisted Living for their loving care of our mother, grandmother, sister during this last year.

An informal gathering celebrating the lives of Pete and Alice Ann will be held 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Life Story Funeral Home on Friday, April 25, 2025. A brief sharing of stories will start at 3:00 pm and conclude with the reciting of the Rosary.

Private burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more on both Pete and Alice’s webpage.