Alice Plencner-Bjorklund, 93, peacefully passed away on August 11, 2023. She was surrounded by loved ones, and heard singing and laughter as we reminisced. 

Known for her sociability, warmth, and adventuring spirit, Alice left an indelible mark on the lives of those she encountered. Her kindness and gratitude, loving relationships, and her appreciation for the arts are just a few of the many gifts she imparted to those lucky enough to have known her. Alice was the epitome of love and compassion. She choose kindness and gratitude over judgment and complaint, and always strived to see the positive in people and situations. She survived her life challenges with courage and grace.

Each newest grandchild was the most beautiful baby she had ever seen. She had the pleasure of meeting little Evie born in March. The grands and sons- in-laws could do no wrong. Everyone in her family had a deep, personal relationship with her. 

An actress at heart, Alice's passion for performance was only matched  by her love of travel. She was involved in many theater productions all around the United States, and in Panama.   As a young woman of 21 years old, she left her small town to become a TWA "stew". She married Frank Plencner in 1953 and began her next career as an Army wife and mother. She moved  over 30 times with children and pets all over the country, as well as 2 tours in Panama. In 1971 they moved to Scottsdale to run Universal Travel agency. She returned to her first career as a flight attendant with the start up America West Airlines , as part of the second group of employees hired, and retired as flight services manager in 1997.

After retirement she was very active in the local arts and theater communities. She was on the Tempe Arts commission, the board of Childsplay, the board of the Tempe Center for the Arts, a  lifelong SAG-AFTRA  member, adjudicated theater productions and art fairs, taught Art Masterpiece classes, and continued her own performances in theater, commercials, and movies. All of this was an afterthought to participating wholeheartedly in all her family and friend's lives. In between she traveled the world.

Alice is survived by her devoted daughters, Kathy, Kerry, Kristy ,Karol, Kim, and Kelly. Son-in-laws, Donald McMullin, David Lowenstein, David Thweatt, Tim Kronborg, and Danny Vega. 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grands. Countless nieces, and nephews.  Siblings Ella McGuire, Marrel Ihara, and Ole Bjorklund. Predeceased by parents Francis and Henning Bjorklund, sister Toots, husband Frank, daughter Mary, and grandson Sean.

We would like to extend our love and gratitude to Joy, Debbie, and Amber from Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate devotion to our mother.

Family and friends are invited to join in a Celebration of Life for Alice on November 14,  2023, from 530pm -730pm  to be held at the Tempe Center for the Arts. It promises to be a gathering as vibrant and heartwarming as Alice herself.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/alice-plencner-bjorklund/obituary/

Copy