Alice Mae Seppanen, age 64 of Rochester Hills, passed away May 11, 2017. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Dennis Seppanen, her son, Matthew, daughter in law, Denyse and three grandchildren Elle, Drew and Paige. Survived also by, mother-in-law, Toni Pollard and her husband Dr. Richard Pollard, loving aunts, cousins and friends.

Alice was born March 12, 1953 to Marvin and Jeanne Bierwirth in Detroit, Michigan. She was the first person in her family to attend college, and completed her undergraduate and multiple graduate degrees at Oakland University.

Professionally, Alice had a passion for Middle School education and influenced multiple generations of students and co-workers in both Lake Orion and Troy. She was awarded the Principal of the Year Award for the State of Michigan and was honored to serve her peers as the President of Michigan Association of Middle School Educators.

Personally, Alice was an inspiration to her family and friends. She had a strong love for her husband and family, and her life was filled with laughter and joy. Alice and Dennis traveled the world experiencing as much as life could offer – as Dennis says, they made a “good team”.

Following Alice’s cancer diagnosis, through God’s grace, the family was given four years of high quality life before her passing. Much of those four years were spent at their vacation home in Northern Michigan and with their family in Utah hiking, camping and skiing. The family cherishes those times and will be sharing stories, laughter and tears of joy for years to come.

Thank you for sharing in the family’s celebration and grieving of Alice. Funeral Service, Monday, May 15, 2017, 10:00 AM at Troy First United Methodist Church, 6363 Livernois, Troy. The family will receive friends Sunday, 3-8 PM at the Potere-Modetz Funeral Home, 339 Walnut Blvd, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Alice’s name may be made to the Lake Orion Community Schools “Lamp of Learning Academic Awards” or American Cancer Society.

Online guestbook www.modetzfuneralhomes.com