Alice Maria Iglesia

Alice Maria Iglesia passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated professional, she leaves behind a legacy defined by the quiet strength, joy, and resilience with which she lived every day.

Born on November 23, 1928, in Bronx, NY, Alice grew up during a time of profound change and challenge. Hearing impairment accompanied her from an early age, but she never allowed it to define her. Instead, she faced life with determination, grace, and deep compassion. She attended St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, where she proudly earned her high school diploma. She went on to study bookkeeping at Monroe Business School, acquiring mathematical skills that would later be used to bring order and precision both at work and at home.

It was through mutual friends in the deaf community that Alice met the love of her life, the late Charles Iglesia. They married on February 19, 1950, and shared 68 years of loving partnership. Together they had seven children, five of whom survived, and she instilled values of patience, integrity, and purpose in each child.

Alice worked for 17 years as a meticulous bookkeeper at Zales. In an era before spreadsheets and digital tools, she maintained flawless records with steady hands and a sharp mind, mirroring the warmth and stability she brought to her family life.

Family was Alice’s greatest joy. She was a proud and loving matriarch whose eyes lit up in the presence of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never missed a birthday, and even those who met her only once remembered her radiant smile and generous spirit.

A gifted listener, despite her deafness, Alice heard with her heart. She brought joy to every gathering with her love of cooking and baking. Her manicotti, bread pudding, and pizzelles became family staples, and she was truly the life of any party. Though she couldn’t hear the music, she felt its rhythm through vibrations and was known for her moves on the dance floor.

Alice always enjoyed a good glass of sangria, collected decorative plates, and never missed an episode of General Hospital. She was an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for her favorite New York teams—the Knicks, Mets, Yankees, Jets, and Giants.

A devout Roman Catholic, Alice was an active member of the Bronx Silent Club. After she and Charles moved to Bridgewater, NJ in 2011, she became a vibrant part of the Diverse Deaf Club of New Jersey. There, she and Charles found a warm, welcoming community and lasting friendships, attending holiday parties, playing in poker tournaments, and dancing joyfully at parties.

Alice is survived by her five children: Ida Isaac (Robert Isaac), Charles Iglesia, Paul Iglesia (Beverly Iglesia), Gerard Iglesia (Karen Iglesia), and Peter Iglesia (Linda Iglesia); 21 grandchildren;  23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles, and two of their children, Anthony Iglesia and Katherine “Kaye” Iglesia, along with other cherished family members.

Alice, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her life of quiet strength was not measured in decibels, but in devotion, laughter, kindness, and love that will echo through generations to come.

Visitation will be from from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Prayer Service will begin at 1:00 PM.

Interment will follow at New Cemetery, 192 S. Bridge Street, Somerville.