Alice Dias of Colchester passed away on June 14, 2025 at the age of 102, surrounded by her family and loved ones.  Alice was born on April 29, 1923 in Lowell, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her parents, Jose and Conceicao (Silva) Leca, her sister Doris Dailey, and her brothers Raul, Arthur, and Raymond Leca. Alice was the loving mother of Angela Dias and her husband, John Shishmanian of Colchester, and Maria Dias Chester and her husband, Andy Chester of North Kingstown, Rhode Island.  She was the proud Avo and VaVa of her beloved grandchildren, William and Jack Shishmanian, and Ben and Remy Chester.  Alice is also survived by her brothers, Joe Leca and his wife Eddie of Sacramento, California and Roy Leca and his partner Ginny Giger of West Greenwich, Rhode Island. Alice was the devoted godmother of Noelle Leca of Tiburon, California and her husband Michael Moradzadeh; and she was a loving grand aunt of George Leca of Sacramento, California; his sister Paula Leca and her husband Michael Hunter of Dedham, Massachusetts and their children, Natalie, Miles and Miranda.   Mom was a devout Catholic, and we are grateful to family friend and Colchester neighbor Tracey London for arranging last rites, performed by Reverend Martin of St. Bridget of Kildare parish.

From the age of two, Alice grew up on Madeira Island, Portugal, returning to the United States in 1939 to Pawtucket, Rhode Island.   Our Mom loved to travel, and she always enjoyed visiting her brother and goddaughter in California.  One of her greatest pleasures later in life was returning to Madeira Island every summer, spending 10 weeks with her many friends and extended family.  She was an avid knitter and created beautiful pieces, including wardrobes for our Barbies.  Mom was a passionate Uno card shark and so enjoyed putting down the reverse card during endless games with her grandchildren.  In 1994 Mom moved to Angela and John's home in Colchester. Colchester Senior Center Director Patty Watts and the Center played a big role in Mom's  life here and kept her engaged.  We found it more than a little ironic to see Mom, in her 80s, serving lunch to the younger Center members.  We admired Mom's ability to make connections with people and maintain so many close relationships over the years.  She was truly the center of our family.

Our family wishes to express appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Chestelm Health and Rehab Center, and Beacon Hospice RNs John and Cathy for the incredible, compassionate care and kindness they showed our Mom.  We will never forget how special they made Mom, and us, feel.

Services will be private.  To view the online tribute, or to share a memory of Alice, please visit http://www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.