Alyce Ellen Gregory (nee McManus) passed away peacefully at her home in Ojai, California at the age of 81. Alyce was a 25 year resident of Manhattan Beach before moving to Ojai with her husband, Orson, upon their retirements in 1985.



Alyce was born in Skowhegan, Maine as the third of five children to Hamilton and Ellen McManus and was raised in Dexter, Maine. She grew up as a very athletic self–described “tomboy” and excelled at sports, academics and violin. She graduated from Dexter High School in 1953. After working in Boston for two years while studying phlebotomy, she came west to California with her brother, Alan, to explore new opportunities and adventure. Shortly after arriving in California she was introduced to Orson Gregory, a post-war Greek immigrant who was attending Standard Oil training school with Alyce’s brother Alan.



Alyce and Orson married in 1957 and eventually settled at 17th Street in Manhattan Beach where they raised four boys in their three bedroom, one bathroom house. As a full time Mom with four boys (all born within five years), Alyce was able to work as a medical laboratory technician on a near-full time basis. She continued with her athletics by playing tennis, going bowling and acting as an assistant coach for her boys’ Little League baseball teams. She was a very involved Mom who instilled happiness, altruism and responsibility as her sons’ primary values. As a mother and wife, Alyce was extremely giving and caring and put the needs of others well above hers. She was well liked by her sons’ friends and was a second mother to many. She had a great sense of humor with a quick wit and endearing smile.



Alyce took great joy in and was very proud of her family, their accomplishments and values. She was the best “Grammie” on the planet and was adored by her five grandsons, three granddaughters, and one great grandson. She provided unbridled love and affection for all.



After Orson’s death in 2009, Alyce met John Gentry who shared a common interest in poetry. Alyce brought tremendous joy to many through her clever wordplay and sweet singing voice. In recent years, she was very involved in the local Ojai community and shared her talents with countless friends through her poetry, singing (in her group “Rockin It Old School”) and extensive community service. She was also an active member of the Ojai Presbyterian Church. During the past few years, Alyce has been blessed to have a wonderful friend, Sue Crews, who was a sister, friend and caregiver.



Alyce is survived by her sons Thomas (Melinda) of Eagle, ID, Paul (Christine) of Manhattan Beach, CA, Phillip (Heller) of Walnut Creek, CA; and a daughter-in-law, Dolores (Raphael) of Raleigh, NC, five grandsons, three granddaughters, a great grandson, former husband John Gentry, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Gus (Constantine) (1988); a grandson, Arsenios (1988); sister Loretta, brothers Donald, Alan and Robert.

Alyce was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by her many family, friends and neighbors.