Alice Binder

The family of Alice May Binder (nee Bradley) is very sad to advise of her passing following a short illness on Sunday, November 10, 2019 in her 89th year.  During her last days she was lovingly surrounded by her family during which time Alice entertained all present with stories of her past experiences bringing smiles and laughter to all.  She was truly an amazing person to the very end of her life.  Predeceased by her husband of 63 years, the late Brian John Binder (2018), she is survived by her children Beverley Gail (Robin), Bradley (Laurie), Sean (Willow), grandchildren Nicole, Terri, Ashley, Paul, Ryan, Katie, Brian and Aaron, great grandchildren Jessica, Keith, Sawyer, Everly, Lawson, London and Jordan, sisters-in-law Irene Binder and Norma Bradley, brother-in-law Larry Green and Alice's many nieces and nephews.   She was also predeceased by her parents Katherine and Reginald Bradley and by her siblings Eileen, Earl, Eleanor, Dorothy, Jimmy, Norma and Shirley.  Alice enjoyed a good and wonderful life and was a woman of great intelligence, compassion and sincerity.  She was born in 1930 at the family farm in Gravenhurst upon which now sits the Muskoka Bay Resort.  She was a very accomplished athlete during her youth playing baseball and hockey among other sports.  She loved skating and held a Gravenhurst High track and field record that stood for many years.   Alice trained at the Toronto East General Hospital to obtain her degree as a Registered Nurse with an eye to becoming a stewardess in the, then glamorous, airline industry for which a degree in nursing was mandatory.  It was at this time in the mid 1950's that Alice met the love of her life and after a relatively short courtship she and Brian were married in the Gravenhurst Anglican church.  Unfortunately, given the policies of the time, Alice was forced to give up her fledgling career as a stewardess as back then a married woman was not permitted to be a stewardess.  Together, Alice & Brian raised their three children in Whitby ON in a loving and warm home environment where friends and family were always welcome.  Throughout her life Alice developed a large number of friends with which she always kept in touch.  She pursued a very fine career in nursing primarily at the Oshawa General Hospital at which she was highly respected.  Later in life Alice & Brian retired to Muskoka where the family ties remained strong.  She possessed a love of nature with a particular fondness for the Muskoka Lakes and the fall colours.  In fact, she continued to enjoy regular outings on the lakes during this past year and as well just a few weeks ago she remarked that this year's colours were among the best ever.  Alice also found time to express her creativity producing arts & crafts that will be treasured by her family forever.    The family is very grateful to the staff, nurses and doctors at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital Site and in particular the outstanding people in the palliative care unit.  Thank you so very much for your care, so very much for your kindness and so very much for your help when our matriarch needed you most.   Your knowledge and professionalism allowed Alice to pass on as peacefully as possible given her condition.  Thank you.  Visitation shall take place from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16th followed by a service in commemoration of Alice's life at 2:00 p.m. both at Reynolds Funeral Home, 1 Mary Street, Bracebridge.  Reception to immediately follow.  In lieu of flowers donations to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation or the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation (Bracebridge Hospital) or the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre (charitable #132617770RR0001) are welcomed.