ALICE PERETTI 

June 23, 1946 – December 23, 2025 

Alice Peretti, 79, of Venice, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025 with her children by her side.

Alice and her twin sister Emily were born to Alice M. Ciuffreda and John Albert Peretti, on June 23, 1946, joining her brother John and an extensive Italian family in Arlington Virginia.  Alice graduated from W.T. Woodson High School (where she later worked as a Counselor,) and received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University with a master's degree from George Mason University.

Alice married Joe Marsala  and embarked on her greatest adventure, motherhood.  Welcoming their beautiful daughter Jennifer and handsome son Greg.

Alice started an exemplary career in education in the Fairfax County School System, first as a teacher and later as a counselor specializing in middle school students and finally utilizing her vast knowledge of children and their needs as an administrator.  Developing a reputation as an individual who created positive environments that allowed students and staff to be successful and flourish, Alice was frequently asked to consult with other school systems and organizations such as the Department of Defense, where she shared her knowledge with colleagues in places like Bogota Columbia. 

While Alice’s success as a professional was stellar, her greatest achievement and her pride and joy remained her children. She worshipped Jennifer and Greg and was endlessly proud of them. She spoke of them often and lovingly and shared their many successes with those around her.   

Outgoing and fun loving, it is no surprise that Alice had a plethora of friends, especially among her Lake Braddock Secondary School colleagues, where she met her second husband Hal Shoun. Together they enjoyed trips to Cape Hatteras and to “The Hunt Camp."

Alice loved animals and was a special mom to several dogs. She also loved travelling and visited many countries, spending extensive time in Spain and Mexico. She shared this love with Leighton Yeatts, her partner of many years, and the two enjoyed traveling together after Alice retired from the school system.

Alice was a joyous person but also experienced some devastating challenges and losses. The most painful was the death of her twin sister Emily.  Em fought breast cancer for almost thirty years.  During her fight Alice was diagnosed with her own breast cancer for which she underwent a double mastectomy.  The sisters supported each other, like they always did, and after a long fight Alice recovered.  Emily too went into remission for a time but faced a decades long battle with the disease that finally overtook her.  Alice was shattered when she lost Emily.  As twins, sisters, and lifelong supporters of one another, Alice and Emily were really two parts of a whole.  Alice truly lost part of herself when Emily passed. Emily’s sons and grandson (Casey, Danny and Eli) always had a special place in Alice’s heart, and, in turn, they cherished Alice as well. 

Alice thoroughly enjoyed life and always brought a good time with her.  While she leaves many sad friends and family members, we need to remember her positivity and celebrate her rejoining of her other half - Emily.  So, instead of being sad, raise a glass and celebrate a life well lived! 

Alice is survived by her daughter Jennifer Ragone of Ashburn, Virginia, her son Greg Marsala of St. Pete, Florida, and her dear friend Ruth Katimy.

 “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality” 

Emily Dickenson

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