Mrs. Alice Lamphier Tolles, age 97, passed away Monday, January 14, 2013 at her home in Middlebury, CT. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years; Russell F Tolles Sr. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know her. Alice was born on September 26, 1915 in Watertown, CT, the daughter of former State Senator, Eugene and Ada Skilton Lamphier. Alice and Russell moved to Middlebury in 1946 where they raised their family and were active members of the Middlebury Congregational Church. Her love of flowers and design were evident in her floral arrangements that she did for the church services weekly. She was also active in the Middlebury Garden Club, where she was a founding member. Alice graduated from St Margaret's School in Waterbury and The New York School of Applied Design for Women, NYC. Upon graduating, she was head designer at The Princeton Knitting Mills in Watertown, CT. She studied landscapes, watercolors, portraiture and Russian religious icons with many local and national artists. Her artwork was featured in many one woman art shows as well as being selected to participate in several juried shows. She has paintings in private collections throughout the country. Alice was also a life time member of the Kent Art Association, showing there in juried shows since 1972, receiving numerous awards. She is survived by her children, Russell Jr and his wife, Sandra, of Southbury, Deborah Femiak of Watertown, Elizabeth Mannella and her husband, Ralph, of Middlebury, and Richard Tolles and his wife, Josee, of Plymouth MA., eight grandchildren, Kristin and her husband, Michael Battistoni, Russell E Tolles and his wife, Erin, Alex Femiak and his partner, Beth Denison, Katie Femiak and her partner, Shane York,
Heather and her husband, David Nuzzo, Dak Mannella and his wife, Sarah, Allyson Tolles and Shannon Tolles, and 5 step grandchildren Meghan McIntyre, and Kailyn, Ryan, Jaimee and Dylan Bulter and 2 great grandchildren, twins Alexander and Brigitte Battistoni. She is also survived by her brother Avery Lamphier, the former Watertown Fire Chief, and his wife Jane, and their children Craig Lamphier and wife, Susan, Leslie McKeon and her husband, Barry and Lisa Carew and her husband, Don, their 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank and express our gratitude to Kristi, Michelle, Susan and Claudette and all at VNA Hospice of Waterbury.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers please consider VNA Healthcare Fund, 103 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Middlebury Congregational Church

Services: A memorial service for Mrs. Tolles will be held at the Middlebury Congregational Church, on Jan 26th at 11: 00 am with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.