Alice Faye Burdick

Alice was born on New Year’s Eve, an auspicious beginning for someone so fun-loving and stylish. She had a lifelong affinity for fashion, art, decor, and interior design. Crafty from a young age, she was quick to identify unique pieces full of character and fold them into a space so naturally they felt destined to be there. Clever, thoughtful, and attentive to detail, she could balance boldness with subtlety and function with flair. Her refined, eclectic taste found a natural outlet in the world of antiques, and for many years she owned, curated, and operated her own boutique in California.

Eventually, driven by a desire to live near family, she packed up her PT Cruiser and moved cross-country to Virginia to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Her grandchildren originally called her “Peepaw” after her eldest grandson’s attempt at babbling “purple people,” a nod to her favorite, signature color. Fourteen years later, her youngest granddaughter brought new life to mispronunciation, and Peepaw became Matma. Alice embraced this new name with the ease, flexibility, warmth, and humor that were as signature as her purple outfits.

Her presence was an anchor in the joyful swirl of six childhoods. She was there for birthdays, school plays, sports matches, and long drives to the Outer Banks with all grandchildren in tow. Later, she sat beside them as student drivers. With one hand braced on the passenger grab handle, she showed patience, courage, humor, and love in equal measure.

Alice’s kindness, openness, and artistic nature lived alongside independence and curiosity about the world. Paris called to her most insistently, and she held a deep appreciation for French art, film, and culture. She also loved New Orleans and frequently visited to spend time with her dear friend and cousin Katie. Her returns were often marked by stories, laughter, and the sweetness of pralines—one of the many simple pleasures her grandchildren knew her for.

Texas, where she was born and lived for most of her life, was the place that felt most like home. As her grandchildren grew up and began attending college, she returned to the Lone Star state. She loved the warmer weather but was grateful for visits from her family back east.

Alice also had a deep affection for animals, particularly cats. Over the years, many cats found their way into her home and stayed: Miss Mona, Valentino, Moonlight, Jazz, and Rocket. Her grandchildren grew up alongside them, delighting in the wit and sass that Alice appreciated in her feline companions.

Alice will be remembered for the way she effortlessly incorporated grace and elegance into her everyday life. She is survived by her brother, Charlie; daughter, Kristin (Gordon); six grandchildren, Justin, Kiley, Jefferson, Jackson, Nicholas, and Skylar; and her great-grandson, Noble.

A celebration of life is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local ASPCA or arts center in Alice’s name.