PORTAGE and MECHANIC FALLS, Maine – Alyce Bryant-Reece, only daughter to Earnest and Avis Arnold, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at home with her husband at her side holding her hand. Alyce was born on November 13, 1940, in Lewiston, Maine.
She would spend the early years of her life in Auburn until later moving to Mechanic Falls. She was a graduate of Mechanic Falls High School, where she met and married her first husband, Richard Bryant. Together they had three wonderful sons who would become the light of her life. Alyce later met and married Robert Reece and lived out the last of her years with him and their beloved dogs in Portage, Maine.
Alyce held many professional positions throughout her life. Some of which include working as an EMT with the local rescue service in her town. She also worked as a delivery coordinator with the Lewiston Sun Journal, as well as a secretary for Dr. Martel at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Alyce would have been most remembered by her position at Dictate where she was a medical transcriptionist. In this role she would form many lifelong friendships and serve as a mentor to many young professionals.
Alyce was known for her smile that lit up and radiated any space she occupied. She was also known as a mentor, a friend, a leader, and of most importance a mother to not only her three boys but to many in the area. Some of whom came into her life for a season while others remained her children for a lifetime.
Alyce had boundless energy which allowed her to be active every day of her life. Alyce was active in clogging in the 90’s and traveled the East Coast to both compete and perform. She was an avid bingo player, was a member of a bowling league, and attended weekly swim classes with her “Swim Sisters”. Most recently Alyce immersed herself in her role as the President of the Portage Lakers ATV Club where she worked diligently to open and build trails for everyone to enjoy. No matter the role she was in she did it with a passion that made her unstoppable. Despite living five hours away from her grandchildren, Cole and Ainsley, Alyce made several trips a year back home to attend their birthday and sporting events. Cole and Ainsley brought immense pride and joy to Alyce in every way possible.
Alyce was predeceased by her parents, Earnest and Avis Arnold, and her first husband, Richard Bryant. Alyce is survived by her husband, Robert Reece, of Portage, Maine; her three sons, Randall Bryant of Whitefield, Russell Bryant and his fiancée, Shelly Bouchard, of Lewiston, and Rielly Bryant and his girlfriend, Jessica Berube, of Mechanic Falls; and two grandchildren, Cole and Ainsley Bryant. Alyce is also survived by a special “Daughter by Choice” Brianna Herrick and her husband, Allan, along with their three children.
Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in Alyce’s name to the Portage Lakers ATV Club, PO Box 145, Portage, Maine 04768. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 26 W. Dwinal St., Mechanic Falls. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com
