Alice Ruth Veyna (née Porter), age 88, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 5, 1935, and passed away on Sept. 13, 2023, in Santa Barbara.
She lived through a transformative period in history, growing up in patriotic, industrial St. Louis, Missouri, during World War II.
Alice’s childhood was filled with fond memories of her hometown. She resided seven blocks away from the old St. Louis Cardinals’ Sportsmen’s Park. During hot summers, she sought refuge in the public library, the museum of art, Forest Park, or Crown’s Candy, where she could enjoy books and escape the heat.
As a young adult, Alice worked as a long-distance operator and was a proud member of the union. She always appreciated the security of having an escort to ensure her safety when she returned home after work.
Alice’s life took a new direction when she met Julio Veyna at a USO dance held for Airmen stationed at Scott Air Force Base toward the end of the Korean War.
They married and moved to California, where they raised their daughter Karen in married student housing while Julio completed his degree at Cal Poly Pomona. Their first son, Kurt, was born shortly after Julio’s graduation.
The family eventually settled in the then small surfside town of Santa Barbara, where Alice was a homemaker, and Julio pursued a career as a landscape architect and medical lab technician. It was then they welcomed their second son, Keith, into the world.
Alice’s life was marked by diversity. After a divorce, she enrolled in SBCC. She pursued higher education and obtained credits equivalent to a bachelor of arts degree, a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning.
She simultaneously embarked on a career in retail at Robinson’s/ Macy’s. As a Macy’s Star Diamond employee, Alice delighted in assisting her customers in the housewares, fine jewelry and bedding departments.
Alice’s adventurous spirit led her to continue her flight lessons in Santa Barbara, where she marveled at the picturesque coastline, the majestic mountains, and the boundless beauty of the Pacific Ocean. The sight of the Channel Islands on the horizon became a source of inspiration and solace during her flights.
She found peace spending time in her garden, bird-watching and relishing the daily Pacific sunsets. Alice had a passion for genealogy, and enjoyed traveling both domestically and abroad to explore her heritage.
Alice had a deep admiration for the Navy Blue Angels. She had a memorable encounter with them while learning to fly with her brother at The Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri.
She recalled the awe of having these remarkable aviators wait their turn to take off behind her small plane. This experience left a lasting impression, she held a special place in her heart for the Blue Angels.
In keeping with Alice’s wishes, no services are planned. She received last rites and found solace in God’s mercy. In her memory, Alice requested that those who wish to honor her, show kindness by choosing to “adopt, not shop” when considering their next animal companion.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Serenity House for their deep kindness and profound support during Alice’s brief hospice stay while in transition.
Alice’s presence will be deeply missed, but her memory and the impact she had on those she touched will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.