Harriet Jean (May) Alkire

Harriet Jean Alkire, 86, of Cazenovia, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2026, with her devoted husband of 64 years, Monte, by her side.

She was born on May 25, 1940, in Detroit, MI, to Herman P. and Ruby H. (Love) May. She married Monte C. Alkire on December 30, 1961, in Orchard Lake, MI.

She is survived by her husband, Monte, and their three children, Marc (Sue) Alkire of Holly Springs, NC, Kim Engel of Battle Creek, MI, and Kathy (Gerry) Bower of Garden Ridge, TX. Harriet was a grandmother to six grandchildren — Danielle and Kyle of North Carolina, Cody and Kayla of Michigan, Nathan of Ontario, Canada, and Sierra of Texas — and a great‑grandmother to six great‑grandchildren, all living in North Carolina.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, her four sisters, and her brother.

Harriet spent her early years in Lewiston, Michigan, later living in Detroit and eventually settling in Orchard Lake, Michigan, where she met Monte. In her younger years, she worked as a bookkeeper at Dickie Lumber Company in Keego Harbor, Michigan. After marrying Monte, she worked as secretary for Stay Realty in Lansing, Michigan, remaining there until the birth of their son, Marc. In the early 1990s, she also helped at Fandel’s Hardware in Metamora, Illinois. She and Monte were married for 64 years and built a life centered around family.

Harriet enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hiking in the high desert near Wickenburg, Arizona. She appreciated the landscape, the cactus, and often returned with rocks she picked up along the way. Her love of nature and animals was influenced by her family roots: a grandfather from the coal mines of Eastern Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky, and a grandmother of Cherokee heritage. She had a particular fondness for horses, bunnies, buffalo, birds, and her Corgi, Paisley. She also enjoyed cross‑country skiing, a winter activity she returned to often.

She enjoyed games — especially Scrabble, card games with her children and grandchildren, and the occasional visit to the slot machines. Music was a steady part of her life, and she listened to artists such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Elvis Presley, and Bob Seger.

A woman of faith, Harriet was baptized into the Catholic Church and held devotion to the Virgin Mary, St. Anthony, and St. Michael. She was committed to praying the rosary, which remained an important part of her daily life.

More than anything else, Harriet‘s greatest joy was caring for her family. She baked cookies, made sure dinner was on the table at 5:30, and had a gift for making every child, grandchild and guest feel special and loved.

Whether hiking desert trails near Wickenburg, collecting rocks, praying the rosary, or gathering family around the dinner table, Harriet found joy in life’s simple blessings. Harriet will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her love of family and devotion to family that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until 10:45 am, also on Thursday at the church. Burial of Ashes will be held at Stewart Harmony Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 400 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

St. Mary's Catholic School, 400 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548

St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105