Alice Mogensen Powers

Alice Mogensen Powers left her family and friends on Feb. 18. She passed away peacefully in her home from natural causes.

The daughter of proud Danish immigrants, Christiana and Mogens Mogensen, Alice was born in Fresno, California, on June 26, 1916. She lived a fulfilling life of almost 102 years, and gave us a scrapbook of history through two world wars, a depression and 18 presidents.

Alice married Robert “Bob” M. Powers on Jan. 17, 1941. Bob, a 34-year captain with Continental Air Lines, and Alice lived in Denver, El Paso and Pacific Palisades while raising their girls.

After Bob’s death in 1985, Alice moved to Newport Beach to be closer to friends and the beach she loved. Over the years she made her house a home to anyone who entered. Those who knew Alice will remember the “Great Dane” for her generosity, her daschund “boys” Fritz and Pretzel, her bargain-hunting expertise, her lovely yard and flowers on Belvue Lane.

From her youthful days as the “Woo Woo Blonde” trophy girl, Alice loved every type of auto racing. Bob and Alice continued to share their enthusiasm for sports cars and classic cars by supporting and participating in many events until Bob’s death. Sundays were race days for Alice, who never missed a Grand Prix, Indianapolis or stock car race.

In keeping with her generous and helpful spirit, during the ’60s and ’70s Alice worked diligently with the women of the Lutheran Church of the Palisades and the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club. She was a founding member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Golden Eagles, the organization of retired employees of Continental Air Lines. For over 20 years, she helped organize hospitality rooms and banquets at the annual conventions and saw to the provision of table favors for the women’s luncheon.

In 2016, friends and family surprised Alice with a memorable celebration of her life on her 100th birthday. Affectionately known as “Muttie” by her family, four generations were present at the party. Attendees came from California, Texas, Idaho and Virginia.

Bob, her beloved husband of 44 years, sisters Virginia Artman and Elna Mogensen, and a brother Dank Mogensen preceded her death. She is survived by her daughters Lynda Leslie and husband Craig, and Patty Jo Baxter and husband Larry. She leaves grandsons and wives Kurt Leslie and Natalie, Jon Leslie and Christy; granddaughter Laura Baxter; granddaughter Darlene Pruessmann and husband Mark; great-grandchildren Jackson and Luke Leslie, Avery and Hanna Leslie, Jake and Kate Pruessmann.

She will be missed by her faithful companions, Fritz and Pretzel. Alice’s family is truly grateful for her loyal caregivers, Luz Gallegos and Jun Nicolas.

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Individual memorials may be made to a charity of choice.