Alice LiffAugust 7, 1933 - December 11, 2017Alice passed away peacefully on December 11, 2017, at Kaiser Hospital in San Rafael, several days after a fall. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Regina Spielman and her sister Rita Fisher. She was born in New York City and educated in Los Angeles where she attended Hollywood High. She enrolled at Indiana University where she met her husband of 64 years, Elliot. She was awarded a degree in education at IU and taught elementary school for a short time in Indianapolis. After moving with her US Army husband and her chidren to various assignments in Germany and the US, Alice and her family settled in Mill Valley in 1965. Alice became friends and was inspired to develop her artistic talents by the late Ann OHanlon. In the mid 60s Alice and some friends opened a successful art gallery, Gallery III, in the new co-op shopping center in Corte Madera. Alice had a talent and took pleasure in mentoring young artists regarding their careers, and for some, over the years, became known as "the art mother". In the early 70s Alice and her friend, the late Judy Tilt opened a gift and craft store, The Great Acorn Company in San Anselmo which remained successful for over 40 years. During the subsequent years, Alice developed her own artistic talent with paints, collages, boxes, and assemblages.
In 2011 She became severely disabled and was not able to continue her artistic interests. She was fortunate to be cared for by devoted wonderful women with whom she developed close warm friendships.
She is survived by her loving husband, Elliot, devoted sons David Liff and Jonathan Liff and daughter Andrea Waters; adoring grandchildren: Rachel Waters, Nathan Waters, Sara Waters and Jordan Liff.
Burial was at Cemetery Kol Shalom in San Rafael on December 17.2017