Obituary of Alyce Carolyn Verch

Alyce Carolyn “Gummy” Verch Alyce Carolyn Verch, 87, of Clifton Park passed away peacefully while holding hands with her cherished granddaughters on Sunday, March 5, 2017. Alyce was born on November 11, 1929 in Troy, NY to William and Mary Anne Schnapp. She enjoyed a full and active childhood with her siblings Jeanne Marie (Louis Pasciuti), Barbara Anne (Robert Neville), and William Garrett. Alyce spent her youth ice skating, swimming, horseback riding, and generally enjoying the outdoors. She was a favorite of her adoring father, who, among other things, taught her how to fish. Alyce matriculated at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, in 1947 and later met her husband-to-be Richard Raymond “Baba” Verch when he held a water fountain for her. They married on June 2, 1951. Richard and Alyce had two dearly loved daughters, Kathleen Carolyn and Karen Anne. Alyce enjoyed a rich and full family life. She was devoted to her daughters throughout their childhood and adulthood. She held a deep appreciation and support of a then teenaged Karen’s artistic talent, framing and displaying many stunning drawings at home, and spent countless hours at barns and horse shows with a young Kathy. Alyce’s most treasured role was that of grandmother to Katherine Grace, Claire Elizabeth (Robin McRae), Elizabeth Anne, and Carolyn Rose. She provided constant affection, instruction, and care for her granddaughters, who nicknamed her Gummy, and who attribute many of their most flattering qualities to her influence. Alyce’s love was returned to her tenfold, not least by Karen, whose loyalty and devoted care for the past fifteen years permitted Alyce to continue to live in her own home. Alyce is survived by her two daughters, four granddaughters, her sister Barbara Neville, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, in-laws, and great lifelong friends. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Richard Verch, her parents, siblings Jeanne Pasciuti and William Schnapp, and generations of much-loved and much-pampered household pets. Alyce was the ultimate matriarch and a precious presence in the lives of her family. She will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Albany Medical Center NICU.