Alice (Groninger Schreiner) Bergenstal Hayden, 91 died peacefully at home in Lusby, MD, on Monday, May 26, 2014.  She was born on April 29, 1923 in Delphi, IN to the late Everett Groninger and Carrie Lavina Dock Groninger.

Preceded in death by husbands Dr. Delbert M. Bergenstal in 1959 and Joseph W. Hayden in 1994, and sister Mary Margaret Moyer in 1987.  Survived by children Dr. Karl (Jean) Bergenstal of Camarillo, CA, Dr. Richard (Carol) Bergenstal of Plymouth, MN, Sharon Hayden of Herndon, VA, Barney Hayden of St. Petersburg, FL, Castle (Huck) Hayden Finn of Love Valley, NC and daughter-in-law, Nancy Hayden of Clearwater, FL; grandchildren Chris Hayden, Steve (Heather) Hayden, Jennifer (Tim) McLelland, Corey (Lisa) Arehart, Melissa Mason, Sarah Mason, Krista (Alan) Howard, Jared Bergenstal, Emily (Dr. Dylan) Zylla and Dr. John (Twyla) Bergenstal and 9 great-grandchildren.

Alice was trained as a Registered Nurse and worked at the University of Chicago Hospitals early in her career.  Alice was delighted to move to Bethesda, MD in 1955 when her first husband, Delbert, began his career with the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.  Alice was engaged in community life in Bethesda and Rockville for over 30 years. She was an active member of Bethesda United Methodist Church, helped write the neighborhood newsletter and was ever-present at any athletic event involving her two sons, Karl and Richie.  Following Delbert’s death, Alice returned to nursing at the National Institutes of Health.

Friends Steve and Mickie Stevenson then introduced Alice to builder, Joe Hayden, who, in turn, introduced Alice to life on the Chesapeake Bay.  Alice welcomed Joe’s children, Barney and Castle, into her life, as well as the wonderful bonus of daughter, Sharon.  Alice lived in the house Joe built on Deer Drive in Lusby for these past decades surrounded by the most caring and helpful neighbors imaginable.  She attended St. Paul United Methodist Church and was a proud member of the Solomons Island Yacht Club.

Alice was beautiful, vivacious, energetic and utterly devoted to her entire family and all her many friends.  She was the most charming, gracious hostess, and the crab feasts she hosted on her carport were legendary.  Alice bore more loss in her lifetime than any one person should ever have to endure, but her bright and cheerful outlook on life never diminished.   She was a grand lady.  The family is indebted to Castle Hayden Finn as well as Steve and Chris Hayden for the care they provided Alice and to Sharon for her complete dedication and steadfast devotion to Alice all these years.

A Memorial Service celebrating Alice’s life will be held Thursday, June 19, 11 AM, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 11000 HG Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657.   Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, or Lab Rescue of the LRCP, P.O. Box 1814, Annandale VA  22003.

Arrangements were handled by the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., Lusby, MD for more information or to leave condolences please visit www.rauschfuneralhomes.com.