Alice Joy Kuivinen

Alice Joy Kuivinen, age 88, of Escanaba, passed away Friday July 21, 2023 at her home in Escanaba with her loving family by her side. She was born on February 28, 1935 in Ishpeming, MI, the daughter of Langsford and Evelyn (Olds) Collins. Alice grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, MI and was a 1952 graduate of Sault Ste. Marie High School. She went on to further her education at Northern Michigan College where she received her Bachelor of Science degree. During her time there, it became a university. She also was president of the Girls League, and during her senior year, through Lansing Lawyers, they were able to change the name to the American Association of University Women. The former Alice Joy Collins married Edward Kuivinen on June 22, 1957 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Together, the couple shared 66 years of marriage and raised 3 children, Toby, Brenda, and Sharon. While her husband, Ed, was studying at the University of Michigan in Dental School, Alice taught grade school in Chelsea, MI. In 1961, they relocated to Escanaba when Ed started up his dental practice. Alice was a homemaker who involved herself in school and First Presbyterian Church activities. Her summers were spent enjoying their Stonington cottage for 47 years. Alice was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba, and her hobbies included reading, cooking, gardening, puzzles, traveling to various places, and having lunch with her friends.

Alice Joy Kuivinen is survived by her husband, Edward William Kuivinen of Escanaba; son, Edward Toivo “Toby” (Tammy) Kuivinen of Escanaba; daughters, Brenda Leigh (Lynn) Thompson of Oakview, CA, and Sharon Lynn (Kevin) Tapani of Wayzata, MN; grandchildren, Sarah (Bryce) Lahrman, Ryan Tapani, and Lukas Tapani; sister, Karen Jean (Al) Dennis; brother, Jack (Debbie) Collins; great grandchildren, Henry and Bennett.

In addition to her parents, Alice was preceded in death by infant son shortly after birth, Douglas Edward Kuivinen.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Tuesday July 25, 2023 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Alice Joy Kuivinen will be held at 4:30 pm Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Janice Reed officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services in the First Presbyterian Fellowship Hall. Burial will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the Tri-County Safe Harbor, Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alice Joy Kuivinen, please visit our floral store.