Alice Bernadette Hjellen

Longtime Alaskan resident, Alice B. Hjellen, 81, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska from complications of pneumonia. A Family Service to honor Alice's life will be held at a future date.

 

Alice was born July 20, 1944, at the old Providence Hospital in Anchorage, the daughter of Elwin B. and Elizabeth Pat (Snider) Hjellen.

 

At an early age, Alice contracted viral encephalitis, paralyzing her right arm and leg, causing a life-long disability. However, Alice was determined not to let that stop her from doing what her brothers and sisters were doing. Alice was the fourth of six children growing up on the Hjellen farm just outside Wasilla on the Palmer/Wasilla Highway. She attended school in Wasilla through her sophomore year and was able to get her high school diploma by 1969. She loved working with plants and flowers and worked for Bagoy's Florist in Anchorage before becoming a filing clerk with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in Anchorage. After retiring, she volunteered for many years at the Loussac Library in Anchorage.

 

She was very independent minded, loved riding the City Buses all over Anchorage and especially loved cats, projects, and scrapbooking. Alice bought and lived by herself in her own condo for many years before moving to Marlow Manor.

 

Alice loved her family and shared that love with them. Although it was unexpected she went out on her terms and is now reunited with her parents, Pat and Al Hjellen; her brother, Gary; and her sister, Sue.  Alice will be greatly missed.

 

Alice is survived by her brothers, Gil and Pete; sister, Ida; and many nieces and nephews.

 

In memory of Alice Hjellen, contributions can be made to Goodwill Industries who provided her with lots of practical training and support services.