Alice Mary Oty

Alice Mary Oty

Alice Mary Oty passed away peacefully April 3, 2021 in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband Jim, daughter Lisa, son Gary, and daughter-in-law Cathy by her side.

Alice was born on April 11, 1939 in Brookfield, Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland, Canada to James and Pearl Blackwood. She was one of twelve children, six boys and six girls.

After completing high school, Alice moved to the city of St. John’s and worked in a department store. She met her future husband Jim, a United States Air Force Airman stationed at Pepperell Air Force Base, on a blind date arranged by one of her friends. After a whirlwind courtship, and a six-month separation while Jim was temporarily stationed in Greenland, they were married on April 10, 1958 at the United Church of Canada in St. John’s. After the wedding Alice started on a 62-year journey with Jim.

During Jim’s 20-year Air Force career Alice was a stay-at-home mother and loving wife. At Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota her oldest son Gary was born. Her young family was next stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for six and a half years. There were new friends and many adventures there, and her second son Alan was born. During this time Alice studied the U.S. Constitution and laws and on January 8, 1965 became a Naturalized United States citizen.

Jim’s next posting was at L.G. Hanscom Field near Boston for four years. Alice quickly became part of the military community there and was involved with new friends, Little League baseball, Cub Scouts, and bowling leagues. It was here that her third son Neil and daughter Lisa were born. On to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico and new adventures, including many weekends spent camping in a pop-up trailer. Her children were growing up fast, keeping Alice busy with their school and other activities, and she bowled in three bowling leagues. Time went by fast and Jim’s 20 years in the Air Force were up.

Jim took a position with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, moving the family to Socorro, New Mexico. It was a good move and Alice enjoyed the new challenge, including finally having their own home, playing bridge with close friends, and becoming an avid golfer. With the kids off to college Alice and Jim had time for more trips back to Newfoundland and traveling in their RV. Jim retired after 25 years at NRAO. Eventually Alice and Jim chose to move back to Albuquerque where they lived in a retirement community until her death.

Alice lived a wonderful life and will be remembered as a loving, outgoing, and vibrant wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband, James 'Jim' Oty; son, Gary (Cathy Rogers) Oty; son, Alan (Linnea) Oty; son, Neil (Bernadette Frey) Oty; Daughter, Lisa Oty; grandchildren, Benjamin, Michael, Alexander, Christopher, and Kaitlyn; great-grandchildren, Cassidy, and Dylan; as well as 9 siblings. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or other charity of choice.

Due to Covid the in person service is for family only. If you would like to view the service please watch through the live streaming link below.