Alice E. Clattenburg

Alice E. (MacDonald) Clattenburg, 94, passed away on Saturday, October 31st, 2026 in Smithfield, RI. Born in Melrose, Massachusetts to Frederick and Mary (Dragan) MacDonald, Alice’s life was a tapestry of family, friends, and community involvement.

Alice was the devoted wife of the late George Clattenburg for 74 years. Together, they raised six children: George F. Clattenburg, Annmarie Clattenburg, John Clattenburg, the late James Clattenburg, Mary (Clattenburg) Marchei, and Joseph Clattenburg. Her legacy continues through her granddaughters, Myla and Mia, and her great-grandchildren, Dylan and Claire. Alice is also survived by Maryellen Dee, flower girl at her wedding and cherished niece. She will be deeply missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Alice earned her Bachelor’s degree as an adult, and went on to obtain a Masters in Social Work at age 54. She worked as a drug and alcohol counselor and was known affectionately as “Big Al, the Alkie’s Pal”. She maintained her own sobriety for over 50 years.

After retiring, Alice took up craft painting. Under the business name Bluhead Designs, she and George collaborated to create and sell painted decorations at various craft fairs. Alice also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Greater Boston PFLAG, tutored English as a Second Language, and actively participated in Democratic politics. She was a member of Unitarian Universalist churches in Massachusetts and Florida.

Alice’s love for baseball, notably the Boston Red Sox, took her to numerous ballparks and to Cooperstown, NY for Pedro Martinez’s induction into the Hall of Fame.

Alice loved games of all kinds. Neighborhood children would often bring their jars of pennies to play Michigan Rummy with her. She also enjoyed mahjong, Scrabble, card games and charades.

Her fitting passing on Halloween was a testament to her role in establishing the renowned haunted house in Stow, MA. Even after the haunted house years were over, she loved dressing up and finding a party every year.

We will deeply miss Alice’s spontaneity and infectious sense of fun.

Funeral services will be private.

If you wish to honor Alice’s memory, you may make a donation to your local public radio station or a charity of your choice.