Obituary of Alyce Nancy Bracken

Alyce Nancy (Larkin) Bracken, 80, Vintondale, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024, at The Gardens in Indiana. Born February 18, 1943, in Johnstown, PA.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Dale, her parents, Alfred and Betty (Williams) Larkin; brother, Alfred Larkin; infant brother Kim Larkin; and niece, Alisha Larkin.

She is survived by her stepmother, Marge (Dick) Larkin, Gas Center; son, Bill Bracken and wife Christine (Hedges), Armagh; son Ed Bracken and wife Elizabeth (Blacksmith), Vintondale. Grandchildren Britton Stutzman and husband Kevin, Vintondale; Marial Badzik and husband Matthew, Indiana; Caleb Bracken, San Diego, CA; Michaela Freytag and husband Alec, Baltimore, MD; Gideon Bracken, Vintondale. Great-granddaughter, Audrey Stutzman, Vintondale.

Alyce battled Parkinson’s during the last few years of her life, but fought hard, remained positive and refused to give up.

She was a local bus driver for the United School District for over a decade, enjoying students and making an impact on their lives. A devoted member of Blacklick Creek Christian Church, she served at VBS, on Mission Teams and with various committees. She found community here, used the gifts God gave her, developed lifelong friendships, and served others cheerfully.

Alyce was an avid gardener of flowers, vegetables, berries and herbs.  She faithfully attended the Indiana County Herb Study group for years. She loved to cook and bake with her grandchildren, was always found in the kitchen and forever had a new recipe to share with others. Her mantra was, “eat dessert first” but never without a cup of tea.

She appreciated learning new skills.  Her talents included stained glass, mosaics, and woodworking. She loved to collect antiques, dishes specifically.

In retirement, she and her husband traveled around the world, always “rating” the trip according to how good the cuisine was. She was up for any adventure.

Above all, Alyce loved people. Her house had an open door, continually ready to welcome a visitor for conversation or a meal. She cherished her family, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. She lived creatively, gave generously, accepted others freely and served faithfully. She’s now completely healed, at home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Friends and family will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Sunday at Richard C Stuart Funeral Home, 392 E. Philadelphia Street, Armagh and 10am until the time of service at 11am Monday at Blacklick Creek Christian Church, 1453 Bracken Road, Vintondale. Pastor Thomas Phillips officiating. Interment Blacklick Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blacklick Creek Christian Church in Alyce’s memory.