Mrs. Alice R. (Armstrong) Pardee, 96, formerly of Hopedale MA and Atlantic Beach FL, died Saturday (January 28, 2017) in Northbridge MA. She was the beloved wife of the late Russell J. Pardee, who died in 2015.
Alice was born to William and Irene Armstrong in Youngstown, Ohio. Alice graduated from South High School in 1938 and attended Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, where she received a degree in Music and Education.
When the war started, Alice decided to join the WAAC (Women’s Army Auxiliary Core) in 1943. After a few months of service, she was discharged to wed her childhood sweetheart, Russell Pardee.
Upon the end of the war Alice and Russell started their family in Westwood MA. Alice pursued her love of music and played the harp in various regional orchestras. She also served as the church organist at the First Parish of Westwood, United Church.
In 1969, Alice and her family moved to Jacksonville, FL. She became the principal harpist for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra from 1971 to 1986. In addition, Alice was a freelance musician until 2000, where she most notably was a substitute harpist with the Atlanta Symphony and the National Symphony Orchestra.
She is survived by her 3 Sons: James R. Pardee and his wife Bridget of Wakefield RI, Richard A. Pardee and his wife Carol of Cataumet MA and Gary C. Pardee and his wife Kate of Nantucket MA; 3 Grandchildren: Christopher J. Pardee and his wife Rachel of Overland Park KS, Jamie P. McManus and her husband Cory McManus of Alexandria VA and Daniel W. Pardee of Norwood MA; 1 Great Grandson: John Russell Pardee of Overland Park KS; 1 Brother: Howard Armstrong and his wife Edith of Clovis CA.
In accordance with her wishes, Private Graveside Committal Services will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne MA. There are no funeral home visiting hours. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home of Milford MA. Please visit www.edwardsmemorialfuneralhome.com for complete obituary & condolence book.
Memorial Donations may be made to Salmon Hospice Care, 42 Beaumont Drive, P O Box #940, Northbridge MA 01534.
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