Alice Deam Fitzgerald

March 21, 1922 - November 7, 2012

Alice passed away on November 7, 2012 at the age of 90. Born in Wichita, Kansas on March 21, 1922, she has resided in Florida for more than 80 years. She was a devoted elementary classroom teacher for more than 30 years in Palm Beach County, with many of those years at Westgate Elementary School. She served as a board member of the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association and was a staunch advocate for the preservation of a "livable Florida for future generations." Alice won the nomination to represent the north area of Palm Beach County for Teacher of the Year in 1994. She loved her students and often shared happy memories with family. She was the quintessential teacher even after retiring at age 72, often correcting her family's grammar, spelling and use of the English language. Alice earned her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University in 1964. As a proud member of the 1938 graduating class of Palm Beach High School, she met regularly for lunch with a few other classmates who fondly called themselves the "38'ers". Alice was a true follower of politics, always ready for a spirited debate. She loved nature and history, often sharing stories of the family's early years in Florida – living through the Great Depression, surviving the 1927 hurricane and the fact that her father, Paul Deam, actually helped plat Hendry County. Alice will be deeply missed but remembered for the valuable life lessons she taught everyone. Alice is survived by her brother, John C. Deam, (Kay) of Junction City, Kansas, her three children, Elise Campbell (David)of Palm City, Margaret (Peg) Bechtold of Jupiter, Tom Fitzgerald of Jupiter, six grandchildren, John Bechtold (Brooke) of Palm Beach , Robert Bechtold (Jill)of Jacksonville, Megan Bechtold of Jupiter, Shannon Armstrong (Doug) of Lantana, Jennifer Whitaker (Robert) of Flower Mound, TX, Melissa James of Port St Lucie, and 13 great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held for friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Taylor-Modeen Funeral Home in Jupiter. There will be a private family service at a later date. Alice's final resting place will be at Sunrise Cemetery, next to her parents Paul and Elsie Rosencutter Deam, located on a hilltop overlooking Manhattan, Kansas.