Alyce Douda

Alyce A. Douda 97, of Storrs, CT widow of Joseph A. Douda died peacefully on Tuesday May 28, 2013. She was born in Willington, CT daughter of the late Vincent C. and Antonie (Kodon) Adamec. After the death of her mother when Alyce was 14 years old, she remained on the family farm keeping the house for her father and helping to raise her youngest sister. She was very proud of her Czech heritage and it was through her involvement in Czech organizations she met her husband. After their marriage in 1939 they moved to Storrs when Joseph became postmaster there and built their own home. She was employed by the Mansfield public school system for 24 years. In retirement she enjoyed gardening and traveling. She also worked in the Mansfield senior center kitchen and was a volunteer at the center's travel desk for many years. Unknown to a generation of Mansfield children, during the 50's and 60's she replied to letters to Santa Clause that arrived at the post office rather than having them go unanswered. Alyce is survived by her daughter Jo Ann Douda of Storrs, her granddaughter and husband Susan and Michael Prior of North Haven, CT, her son-in-law Jay Ingalls of Dudley, MA and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Patricia Ingalls and her siblings Anton, Emma, Emil, Milo, Charlie and Rose. The family would like to thank LeAnne Duprat for her companionship and card playing over the last two years of Alyce's life. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to VNA East in Mansfield, CT. The Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic assisted with arrangements. Please visit www.potterfuuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.