Alice Jeanette Fischer Roemer

Alice Jeanette Bennetts was born to Richard and Clara Bennetts on February 21, 1928, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado. She passed peacefully at The Springs in Missoula, Montana, on April 14, 2025, at the age of 97.

In Denver, Alice attended Columbian Elementary, Skinner Middle School, and North High School, graduating in the Class of 1946. Alice earned a BA in Sociology/Psychology at the University of Colorado, where she honed her leadership skills as president of the Chi Omega sorority and the Mortar Board honor society. Alice taught kindergarten in the Denver Public Schools from 1950 to 1955.

In 1953, Alice met Robert F. Fischer skiing on Cooper Hill near Leadville, Colorado. They married in Denver in 1955 and moved to Winter Park, Colorado, where Alice claimed the skiing was great! They continued skiing, started their family, and enjoyed Colorado mountain life to the fullest. Alice and Robert moved to Durango, Colorado, in 1963 with two daughters, Carol and Patty, welcoming their son Richard in 1965. The family moved to North Springfield, Virginia, in 1966 so that Robert could continue his work as a forester. A passionate outdoorsman, Robert moved his family to Missoula, Montana, in 1970 to be back near the Rocky Mountains. Cancer brought his life to a close in April 1971.

With three children at home, Alice went back to school. After receiving an MA in Education from the University of Montana, she taught kindergarten at Russell Elementary School in Missoula for 18 years. Retiring in 1992, Alice enjoyed traveling the world with friends, including many trips with her dearest friend, Nadine Newman. Alice was a P.E.O. member for 70 years, and an active member of Missoula P.E.O. Chapter AM for 55 years. Alice was a member of the University Congregational Church for 55 years. She cherished her time in the bell choir and book club and she continued to play bridge, hike, participate in water aerobics, and cross-country ski well into her later years.

In 2004, Alice’s life changed when she married John E. (Jack) Roemer, a long-time Missoula resident from her church. They enjoyed many delightful years being active together through travel, hiking, Grizzly games, lake activities, raucous board games, and time with family. Jack Roemer passed in January 2023.

Alice is survived by her three children: Carol Fischer Cade (Matthew) in Leavenworth, WA; Patty Evans (Scott) in Absarokee, MT; and Richard Fischer in Missoula, MT.

Alice’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Tom Chandler (Chelsea) in Longview, WA with children Wyatt and Leo; Chris Chandler (Mary) in Billings, MT with children Alice, George, and Clare; Andrea Ham in Christchurch, New Zealand; Robert Ham in Syracuse, NY; and Elizabeth Evans in Billings, MT.

Alice’s bonus children (inherited from Jack) John Roemer and Ginnie Morey live in Missoula, MT, while Cameron Brise and Katya Roemer live in San Jose, CA. Bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Chris (Mikiko) Roemer with their children Julia and Kaito; Andrea Roemer (Dan) with son Carson; and Angela Brise with her children Keara and Aiden.

Alice is preceded in death by her parents Richard and Clara Bennetts, sister Shirley Bennetts Anderson, first husband Robert F. Fischer, and second husband John E. (Jack) Roemer.

The family is eternally grateful to Jennie Pak, her long-time caregiver, and The Springs’ dedicated community of staff and caregivers.

Alice was loved by many and will be remembered for her faith, wit, inner strength, compassion for others, passion for the outdoors, ruthlessness in Rumikub, and enduring love for her family. She will be missed!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the University Congregational Church, with a reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the University Congregational Church, the Western Montana Genealogical Society, or the P.E.O. scholarship for students pursuing an elementary education degree (make check payable to the Jane Hammer Holmgren State Scholarship and mail to Bev Sherman at 2213 Pleasant Ave., Missoula, MT 59804).