Alice Roosen Osborne

Alice was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin on July 27, 1937 to Alexina (nee Roosen) and Emil Heintz. She was brought up in Rochester, Minnesota. In her youth, she enjoyed so many regular visits to Colorado that it became a forever second home to her. She earned a bachelors degree from Colorado State College, an historic Teacher’s College, starting her lifelong passion as an educator. In 1962, Alice married her lifetime sweetheart, David, and together they raised their family in Oxford, OH.

In Oxford, she established her career in the Talawanda School District as a 4th grade teacher where she developed and implemented innovative reading comprehension systems and teaching methods that brought out the best in her students. She held a lifelong passion about instilling a love of literature in young minds. Alice was a dedicated advocate for teachers and served as the lead negotiator for the teacher's union. She worked tirelessly in countless volunteer roles that made a positive difference in the lives of others.   

In retirement, Alice and David enjoyed the beauty and wonder of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, where they made their summer home. She was an accomplished pianist, and a lifelong learner and lover of books. She found beauty in life and always saw the good in people. She had the unique skill of making everybody she knew feel valued. Alice derived great joy spending time with family and friends. She loved dancing with David, and enjoyed many outdoor pursuits, including hiking. She was a dear friend who valued her time with friends; loved to visit and play bridge with them, and she delighted in welcoming visitors to join and share her Colorado experiences.

Alice adored her children who she always said were the light of her life. She considered her children’s spouses as her own children, and was a treasured friend and mentor to her daughter in law. Alice was also known as Grannie, and had a close bond with her grandchildren whose lives have been hugely influenced by her love, wisdom, guidance, nurturing support, and  joyfulness. She was in tune with them at each stage of development, played any and all games with them, shared her love of reading with them, and was always a great listener. She was a role model and a confidante for her grandchildren who loved her dearly.    

Alice enriched and brightened the lives of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed. Alice was the beloved wife of David Osborne; devoted mother of Christina Burkhouse and Michael (Tanis Ferman) Osborne; cherished grandmother of Paige and Joshua Osborne; loving sister of Emil "Sonny" (the late Sharon) Heintz; and survived by many loving extended family. 

A Celebration of Life service for Alice will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 2:30 pm at the Knolls of Oxford - Commons Auditorium on 6727 Contreras Road. 

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