Alice E. Suri, 99, of Marshall Street was an avid walker, bridge player, crossword puzzle fan and supporter of the Fitchburg Public Library, remaining fiercely independent until dying peacefully at home, September 27, 2008.

Alice was born in Leominster July 23, 1909, eldest daughter of the late James A. McDonnell and Margaret (Morley) McDonnell; she was a sister of the late Lester McDonnell and Elinor (McDonnell) Casey. She married the late Eino S. Suri of Fitchburg in 1939 and they built the family home there in 1952.

She graduated from Leominster High School and Fitchburg Normal School (now Fitchburg State College). She taught first in Leominster, including Priest Street School, and Fitchburg public schools, and then at Community School and Applewild School for 19 years.

After retiring from teaching she volunteered with the Elder Service Corps for Montachusett Home Care for twenty years, retiring when she was 90. Her work was recognized by the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the United States Congress.

Alice is survived by a son, Peter T. Suri; children of her son the late Thomas B. Suri: A. Thomas Suri and Justine M. (Suri) Macchione; two great-grandchildren: Nicholas J. Macchione, and Gianna E. Macchione. Also by nieces, nephews and their families: Patricia Biscotti, daughter of the late Lester and Mary (Montagna) McDonnell; Margaret Melanson, Marie Mead, Ann Plant, Kathleen Ducharme, and James Casey, children of the late William and Elinor (McDonnell) Casey; and James Nolan, Paula Cauley, Frances Crowe and Peter Nolan, children of the late James and Elma (Suri) Nolan.