Alice Wade O'Toole, 93, of Manchester, CT, passed away peacefully July 7, 2015, in her warm and welcoming home where she lived for 64 years. She is predeceased by her husband, James J. O'Toole Jr., sisters Ruth and Edna, brothers Edward and Alfred, brother-in-law Louis, niece Susan, and dearly missed grandson John Matthew. Born in Bloomfield on December 21, 1921 to Edward and Elizabeth Burnham Wade, Alice grew up on her family's farm with her five siblings. She had a lifelong passion for gardening, love of animals and shared her family's independent spirit, strong work ethic and enjoyment of life's simple pleasures. Alice married the love of her life, James J. O'Toole Jr., in October of 1947. When her beloved Jay passed away in 1961, Alice embraced single motherhood with remarkable grace, strength and courage. Determined to be at home for her 3 girls, Alice established her own successful gift shop, "The Corner Cupboard", in her home. She then went on to enjoy a 39-year career as a bookkeeper for the family-run Highland Park Market, when she reluctantly retired at 85. Alice was a big believer in staying active and engaged in life. She was an avid reader and knitter, enjoyed theater, concerts, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and had many travel adventures throughout the country and overseas. She was proud of the home she made for her family and strived to make everyone feel welcome, hosting many happy gatherings for family and friends. But her greatest joy was the love she shared with her family, who were as devoted to her as she was to them. Alice is survived by her brother Ronald Wade of Bloomfield, CT, and daughters Mary Beth (and husband Charles) Brown of Lusby, MD, Peg (and husband John) Filloramo of Colchester, and Carole O'Toole (and husband Jeff Zitelman) of Kensington, MD. She was blessed with five adoring grandchildren: Alison Filloramo of Portland, CT, Kate Filloramo (and partner Casey Smith) of Portsmouth, RI, James (and Nicole) Filloramo of Glastonbury, CT, Kiera Zitelman of Washington DC, and (the late) John Matthew Filloramo, of Colchester, CT. Alice also had the great fortune to have the love of her eight cherished great-grandchildren: Sophia, Noah, Alex, Norah, John Francis, Jillian, Kiley and Hannah, along with Kerry Filloramo-Hochdorfer and Tom Hochdorfer and her many nieces, nephews and their families. Alice was a woman of deep faith, which held her up through her life's burdens. She was a shining example of hard work, selflessness and courage. Her strength of character, independence, and quiet generosity were her hallmarks and she will continue to serve as an inspiration to her many friends and family. The funeral service for Alice will be held at 10:00 am on Monday July 13th at the Church of the Assumption in Manchester. Visitation will be held on Sunday July 12th from 4 to 7 pm at John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center Street Manchester. Burial will follow the funeral at Mountain View Cemetery in Bloomfield. Funeral arrangements are being handled by John F. Tierney Funeral Home. The family also wishes to thank Alice's devoted and gentle caregiver, Jennifer Watson, and the dedicated staff at Masonicare, and Sally Westcott who tended so lovingly to our mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to: Foodshare, 450 Woodland Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002 Elizabeth Park Conservancy, 1561 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.