Alice Cernelich

ALICE T. CERNELICH (nee Kenealy), age 92, beloved wife of the late Harry; loving mother of twins Martin (wife Ronna) and John (wife Catherine); devoted grandmother of Kaitlin Bowman (husband Marc), Brady (wife Lori), and Alexandra; great-grandmother of Liam and Macklin; cherished daughter of the late William and Alice (nee Kearney) Kenealy; dearest sister of the late Mary, William (wife Elizabeth, deceased), John, James, and David (wife Marlene, deceased) Kenealy; dear aunt and great-aunt to many. 

Alice was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 7, 1933 and lived in the Grovewood neighborhood on E.171 St, with her endlessly-entertaining brothers and sister who provided her stories of adventures and misadventures which she shared throughout her lifetime. Her father, William, an orphan, became an engineer and conductor for the New York Central Railroad out of the Collinwood yards, and provided for his family and relatives during the Depression and beyond. She considered herself blessed to grow up with many of her aunts, uncles and cousins living close to her family home, many within walking distance, and was proud of their shared Irish heritage. She graduated from Collinwood High School in 1951 having saved enough to buy a yearbook or a class ring, but not both. She chose the yearbook as she valued the friendships she made in school the most. Her older brother Bill surprised her by buying the ring for her too. Her siblings were special. Alice grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and caring. 

After graduation she worked as a switchboard operator at the Austin Company, eventually marrying Harry, who served in the Army Air Force in WW II, in 1959. Harry was a tool and die maker who worked at Brush Beryllium and other manufacturers in the area. Alice enjoyed Harry’s rich Slovenian culture and enjoyed attending Euclid Veterans’ Club dances and functions with others from the Greatest Generation. Being only eight when WW II began, Alice never missed an opportunity to learn more about the war (she watched everything on the Discovery Channel and Netflix) and to express her deep appreciation for the service and sacrifices of those who served. Alice went to Hawaii with her family in 2010 and visited Pearl Harbor to pay her respects to the fallen.

Alice and Harry welcomed twin boys December 11, 1959. Martin was born five minutes before John. From the moment they arrived Alice’s boys became the focus of her life. It is absolutely impossible to think of her without immediately thinking of her overwhelming, boundless and nourishing love she had for her boys. She made sure that they had everything they needed and more, frequently quietly sacrificing to provide for them. After moving to Eastlake in 1965, Mom was the school volunteer, the Room mother, the Den Leader, the chauffeur and the head cheerleader. She drove through white-outs and sat in cold gyms to watch her young boys develop their basketball skills. She never missed their games while they were in high school. Thanks to her love and support, John received All-Ohio honors in 1978 and was recently inducted into the Eastlake North High School Sports Hall of fame. 

Alice valued education and encouraged her sons to learn, challenge themselves, and work hard. She brought her boys to libraries from the time they could walk and made sure that her home was filled with books. She was there with new poster boards when important homework projects imploded, and made sure a typewriter found its way under a Christmas tree. Mom returned to the workforce — taking a bus to AT&T downtown and working overtime — to make sure she could provide her sons’ educations at top schools. Martin graduated from Case Western Reserve with a B.A, in 1982. He had a rewarding career in law enforcement, retiring as a U.S. Postal Inspector in 2016. John graduated from Harvard University and received his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1986. He is a Partner at Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP practicing labor and employment law. 

Besides raising her sons Alice was the constant caregiver to her parents throughout their lives. Once the boys were off to school she would drive to the family home on East 171st to shop for her parents, accompany them to doctor appointments, and tend to household chores that had become too much for them. She always had time for them. Alice and Harry welcomed Alice’s mother into their home in her 90s so they would make sure she would have the care she needed in her final years. 

Alice and John toured Ireland from Shannon to Dublin to celebrate her 75th birthday in 2008. They visited the home in County Kilkenny where Alice’s mother (one of eleven) was born, still called the “Kearney House,” and had a wonderful time. She was an avid reader and typically found time each day to enjoy her novel, She also enjoyed Hershey’s chocolate every day (which may be the key to her long life). She loved her boys’ friends growing up and looked forward to seeing them. She also loved classic movies and spent much time at the end of her life with Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis and Judy Garland. She made loving homes for her rescue cats and many dogs over 60 years. They made her really happy. Mom was able to stay in her home after Harry passed in 2004 until just this past June in part because of the companionship her pets provided. Her last, Tucker, her fourth Golden Retriever, never left her side.

Finally, Alice would tell you that she considered herself fortunate beyond words for her daughters-in-law. Both Ronna and Cathy also are completely dedicated to their children, have always been there for their parents, and have made loving, joyful homes for her sons and her grandchildren. Cathy spent many years driving Alice to doctor and hair appointments, helping her with physical needs, and simply listening to Alice's memories of her family over lunch together. She cared for Mom in her home in her final months until she passed peacefully in her sleep. Alice told Cathy how much she appreciated her loving companionship and care, She would want you to know it too. 

Alice practiced her faith through her priorities and commitments. Family was her world. She considered herself truly blessed. She was grateful to each person who shared with her kindness, love and support. To each, know that she truly and deeply loved you … and that love will be with you forever.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Alice to the Lake Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Blvd Ste E, Mentor, OH 44060, or online at lakehumane.org.

Prayers of Christian Burial Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 12 PM at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91). Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Alice at THE FUNERAL HOME, THURSDAY MORNING, 10 – 12 AM.