Alice Kathryn (Shookman) Barney

Our dear Alice Barney suddenly passed away on December 6, 2022. Alice Kathryn (Shookman) Barney was born on September 24, 1952 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Donald and Eleanor (Phillips) Shookman. The family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where Alice and her brother David grew up. She loved Kalamazoo and lived most of her life in the community.

After graduating from Godwin Heights High School, Alice attended Nazareth College and was studying nursing. However, after two years of study, she joined the United States Army and was honorably discharged due to an illness. She returned to Kalamazoo and married Norman Barney on April 5, 1980. The enjoyed 43 years together. During this time, she worked as a veterinary assistant for Steven Ginsberg, DVM, then for many years as the office manager for doctors Kurt Vonmaur, MD, and Giri Dandamudi, MD.

Alice especially loved to read. The living room of their home reminds one of a reading room, as there are piles of books of various genres. Alice also took delight in watching the birds at her bird feeders and the neighborhood deer, especially in the spring when the does brought the fawns to meet Alice.

Alice was with her beloved husband, Norm, when she passed away. They were on their way to dinner when she had a heart attack. Norm especially wants to thank the officers of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety for all they did to save Alice, and the staff at Bronson Hospital for their help.

Alice is survived by her husband, Norm; her brother and his wife, David and Sharon Shookman of Grand Rapids; and other extended family members.

As Alice wished, her body has been cremated. At a later date, there will be a burial service at Ft. Custer National Cemetery and a Celebration of Alice’s Life.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit https://www.langelands.com.