Alice Harper Obituary

Harper PhD, Alice Katherine (nee Hauslein) 85; community activist, retired administrator, principal, and teacher; native of Dover, NH, died peacefully March 9, 2015. Loving mother of David Willett of Washington; sister of Lucy (Albert, dec.) Jache of Marietta, Ohio; aunt of Ann (Len), Ellen (Dale), Heidi, Joyce, Janet, Philip (Karen) and John; great-aunt of Lara, Dana, Rachel, Clara, Andrew and Peter; great-great-aunt of Estella Cooper. Special thanks to Lynn and Louis Brahin and their children Lenny and Lizzy for all of their love. Preceded in death by husband, J.T. Harper; parents, Rhea and John Hauslein, and brother, John Hauslein. After attending University of New Hampshire, she earned her BA and MA in Education from Roosevelt University and her PhD from Nova University. A pioneer in the Chicago Public Schools, Dr. Harper was deeply involved in the Chicago teachers' union and an innovative leader in elementary education at Chaplain, Beethoven, Harte and Black schools, she won the The Chicago Tribune's "Excellence in Teaching." A passionate Principal at Wendell Greene, Sheridan, Bontemps, and Peck Elementary Schools, in retirement Dr. Harper taught English at Salazar Bilingual School. World traveler, painter, pianist and vocalist, golfer, usher, choir member at Old St. Mary's Church, and former president of the New Eastside Association of Residents and 400 Condominium Association. Special thanks to her friend and nurse, Barbara Duffy; caretakers, Olah, Galina, Ralph and others; Midwest Hospice Care; dear neighbors, friends and supportive staff at Outer Drive East; and her integrated medical team who helped Alice remain in her home, adding quality years and dignity to her life. Memorial service Sunday, May 31, 1:00 p.m., 400 E. Randolph, Chicago. Donations may be made in her name to Northwestern University, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, 312-908-9023, or www.brain.northwestern.edu. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com.