Obituary for Alice Marion Purdham (nee' Boquist)

Alice Purdham, age 91 of Brooklyn Center, went to join our beloved Lord on January 11, 2019. She is preceded in death by husband Charles, son James, parents Dr. Harold & Marion Boquist, brothers Howard, Harold and Lowell. She is survived by children Lois and David (Mary); daughter in law Cindy; grandchildren John, Michael, Katie, Laura; and many others she welcomed as family.

Alice graduated from Patrick Henry High School and subsequently met her husband Chuck at a church Youth Fellowship meeting. They married 2+ years later and drove out to school at Boston University where she graduated with a B.A. from the School of Social Work. She was a woman of faith and Christian commitment as part of a shared ministry with her husband. She had a generous heart and a passion for service, justice and missions. As a United Methodist she reached out to others -- welcoming, comforting, inviting and encouraging friends and strangers. Her door was always open and her heart ready to help.

Alice loved God and neighbor through her work in the church, particularly in the United Methodist Women (UMW), and in her community. She was committed to healing a broken world through her volunteer activities and advocacy for justice. She was an early volunteer of the CONTACT Twin Cities crisis support telephone counseling. She actively taught about and supported mission activities, participated and was a leader of the UMW at local, district and state-wide levels. Annually she attended or taught in the UMW School of Missions, and was unflagging in support for UMCOR and Church World Service.

Alice enjoyed many hobbies, including square dancing, reading, traveling with her husband here and abroad, and spending time in nature camping and bird watching. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor and could brighten a room with her infectious smile.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Marantha Care Center where she received loving care for more than nine years.

Funeral service SATURDAY, 1/19, 11AM, Brooklyn United Methodist Church (UMC), 7200 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center. Visitation FRIDAY, 1/18, 4-7PM, Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 6000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center and one hour prior to service at church.

Memorials preferred to Brooklyn UMC Foundation or the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).