Alice Julia (Bradley) Bigler

BIGLER, ALICE JULIA (BRADLEY), age 99, of Waterford passed away September 12, 2021. She was born on November 14, 1921, in Cardwell, Missouri, daughter to the late Arthur Bradley and Blanche Cates (Taylor). Alice was the loving wife of the late William J. for 51 years; dear mother of Sharon (Richard) Gorman, Julia Ferguson, Nancy Bigler, the late William B. Bigler and the late Timothy J. Bigler; sister to Nancy Cates and Larry (Karen) Cates; proud grandmother of Amy McKee, Shauna (Jim) Lorenz, Beth Gorman, Freddie Gullett, Nicole Bigler and Will Bigler; and great grandmother of Rylee Gorman, Taya Lorenz, Kyra Lorenz, Brody Baker and Brennan Baker.

Alice and Bill Bigler owned and operated Bigler’s Grocery on Williams Lake Road in Waterford for 37 years.  When she wasn’t running a business and raising children and grandchildren, she enjoyed life to the fullest.  She happily took on the role of primary entertainer for family holidays and neighborhood gatherings, which included amazing home-cooked meals.  She liked bowling night and eventually became an avid golfer.  She learned to fish and cherished walking on the beach and watching the sunset in Alpena.  She was always willing to stay up late to play a good game of cards or dice or scrabble.  She eagerly joined anyone headed to the casino for a chance to hit the slots.  She was exceptional at solving difficult crossword puzzles.  She consistently found the perfect greeting card to celebrate your special day.  She enjoyed watching birds out her back window and took great pride in nurturing flowers in her yard.  She usually had a smile to share.  But above all, Alice loved to dance (which brought out that special devilish smile).  In honor of her memory: Smile calmly when you need strength; notice a pretty flower when it blooms; dance when you hear a good beat. 

We will hold a celebration of life on Friday, September 17, 2021, at Noon at COATS FUNERAL HOME – WATERFORD. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 AM until the service begins. In honor of Alice’s love of flowers and dancing, please wear something bright and cheery with comfortable shoes.  A private interment will take place at Ottawa Park Cemetery, in Clarkston, Michigan. Memorial donations in Alice’s name may be made to Gleaners Community Food Bank.

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