Alice Nancy Keith

Alice Keith was born in Portland, Maine on November 6, 1934, to Joseph W. Dresser of Portland, Maine, and Helen Griffin Dresser of Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada. Alice was the youngest of their three children and is predeceased by her sister, Joan MacDuff and her brother, Lawrence W. Dresser.

Alice is survived by her six beloved children; five daughters and one son. Her children include Denise Foshay of Idyllwild, CA, Susan Bobbitt and her husband Mike, of Sonoma, CA, Robert S. Foshay and his wife Ann, of Vassalboro, ME, Lisa Foshay of Rancho Mission Viejo, CA, Robin Mister and her husband David, of San Juan Capistrano, CA, and Laurie Montour of Dana Point, CA.

Alice was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Trula Dresser; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alice grew up in Portland, Maine, and graduated in 1952 from South Portland High School, where she played the French Horn in the High School Orchestra. Alice also played the piano. It was during High School that she met, and soon after, married her high school sweetheart, Robert John Foshay on December 22, 1952. Early in their marriage, Alice and Bob moved from Maine to Santa Ana, California. They were married for 17 years.

After being a homemaker for many years, Alice attended Sawyer’s Business College and became a secretary for medical and law professionals. Later, she worked in the Graphic Design Department at Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, CA. There, Alice met her second husband, Larry Keith, who was a college photography teacher. Alice and Larry moved to Idyllwild, CA, where Alice cared for her mother.

Later, they moved to Sonoma County, CA. During this time, at the age of 57, Alice received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the California School of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, on May 16, 1992. Graduating from art school was one of her proudest accomplishments. Alice’s oil paintings were expressionistic and symbolic. Alice continued to paint throughout most of her life.

Alice also lived briefly in Mendocino, CA, and worked as a director for an Infant/Toddler program. She loved the rocky Mendocino Coast as it reminded her of Maine. Eventually, Alice moved back to Southern California to Laguna Beach and San Juan Capistrano, where she worked as a care provider for the elderly, and to be near her family.

Alice was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous where she celebrated 37 years of sobriety and found many wonderful rewarding friendships there. As Alice once wrote, “I am grateful to A.A. for giving me the tools to live my life successfully.” She also enjoyed attending Capo Beach Church in Dana Point and loved the music, praise and worship.

Alice took great delight in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and cherished each and every one. Her love of art, music, family, and friends, along with her great faith, kindness, and welcoming spirit, left a warm place in every heart who had the opportunity to know her. Alice embraced life, its sorrows and joys, and she will forever be in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:

Alzheimer’s of Orange County https://www.alzoc.org (In memory of Alice Keith - see link below)

The family would like to express our thanks to the Palliative and Hospice Care Nurses; and gratitude for our Caregivers, whose loving care will always be remembered.

A celebration of Life for Alice will take place in the Spring of 2022.