Obituaries

Alice S. Fife

Alice S. Fife, age 89, died Jan. 14 at Peconic Landing in Greenport.

A Riverhead native, Alice left after high school for college in Maine, followed by government positions in New York City and Washington, D.C. She then worked for the state department in Tehran, Iran. It was there she met her future husband, John Fife, an intelligence analyst, on a tennis court. They hit it off, and their courtship led to a wedding in the Iranian capital in 1953.

John and Alice returned to the U.S. and raised their three children in Westfield, N.J. Alice was an accomplished real estate agent and also joined John in a mutual interest in local politics. It was an interest they maintained over the years.

Alice never really left the North Fork, returning throughout her life, and settled on Nassau Point in 1976. Having seen much of the world, she considered the North Fork to be one of the most special of places. She and John moved to Peconic Landing at its inception and embraced its inclusive culture and its dedication to continuous learning.

Alice was an avid bridge player, a dedicated golfer, experienced world traveler, dog lover and supporter of local causes, including the North Fork Environmental Council, North Fork Animal Welfare League and Eastern Long Island Hospital.

Alice possessed a sharp wit that never wavered. Her elegance, grace and concern for others, along with her aggravating ability to do the New York Times crossword in pen, will be fondly remembered.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Fife; her son, John Randall Fife; her granddaughter Kate Newcomer; and her brother, Charles Smith. Alice is survived by her daughters, Margaret Newcomer and Katherine Perretta and her husband, Chris; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her sister, Fay.

A memorial reception will be held at Peconic Landing Saturday, Jan. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to North Fork Animal Welfare League and First Universalist Church of Southold.

This is a paid notice.