Alice E. (Jatczak) Hunt

Alice E. Hunt, nee Jatczak. Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on November 12, 2021. Wife of the late Robert E. Hunt, mother of Patrick (Jane) Hunt, Dr. Kevin Hunt, Cathleen Hunt, Thomas (Andrea) Hunt, Carol (Thomas) Senderak, Bonnie Hunt and Mary (Bryan) Edwards.  Grandmother of Bob (Eileen), Patrick (Kathleen), Molly, Andrew, Anthony, Alexandra, Ashley, Danielle (Rick), Ross, Alice (Peter), Emily, Michael and Carley.  Great grandmother (Busia) of Connor, Jake, Robert and Elizabeth.

Alice was born in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, on December 26, 1925, the eighth of nine children to Frank and Mary Jatczak.  Alice grew up in Chicago and graduated in 1944 from Jones Commercial High School (now Jones College Prep), where she served as editor of the school newspaper.  Her early talents included being lead singer for the locally-popular quartet, The Tune Tattlers, and later as an award-winning singer on the legendary Morris B. Sachs Amateur Hour.  

Alice started her career working in the programming department at NBC, in the historic Merchandise Mart, where she interacted with Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Hugh Downs and Mike Wallace, among other industry greats. One day, on her way home from NBC, Alice, experiencing car troubles, stopped at a Sinclair Service Station. There, a helpful young mechanic, Bob Hunt, caught her eye and her heart. Bob and Alice were married in 1952 and brought seven children into the world, including their sixth child — actor, writer, director and producer Bonnie Hunt.   

When Bob passed away suddenly in 1981, Alice began her tenure as sole family leader, of the close-knit Hunt family for the next 40 years. A woman of strong faith, she prayed to the Blessed Mother Mary for guidance. Alice put her heart into supporting her seven children.  She worked at Wilbur Wright College, in the office of the English department. Later, she trained and became a licensed prosthesis fitter for Daniel’s Medical Supply, providing compassion and confidence for patients. She then dedicated years of service working at Shriners Hospital for Children.  

Alice did not retire early---performing well into her 80’s, weekly on The Bonnie Hunt Show in her popular “Ask Alice” segments. Known for her razor-sharp wit, Alice discussed everything from daily headlines to pop culture, and answered audience questions with wit, wisdom and warmth, sharing personal anecdotes from raising a large Catholic family in a blue-collar Chicago neighborhood. Alice quickly became a fan favorite and earned the distinction of a beloved social media presence, at the age of 90. Alice also appeared in the MGM film “Return to Me” in a scene with Carroll O’Connor. 

Alice loved her Chicago sports teams. A lifelong Cubs fan, Alice was featured on WGN’s "Let's Go Cubs" promotional playoff ads in 2016 and cheered our Cubbies on to win the World Series!  Alice's grandchildren will never forget an impromptu duet of "Take Me out to the Ball Game" between their Grandma and Ernie Banks before a game one day at Wrigley Field. 

A gifted musician, Alice’s piano playing and beautiful singing voice filled the Hunt family home with joy. Alice could play and sing all genres, from Gershwin to The Rolling Stones. She was always happy to perform the often-requested “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” at family weddings.

She was a true believer in the Teen Creed and would hand out printed copies to young people, adding her personal words to live by, "Do Everything with Love and Respect." 

Alice's children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family will miss Grandma's daily love, support, wisdom, humor, music, art, laughter and the constant comfort of her unconditional love and hugs.  A brilliant, kind, intelligent, warm and most wonderful woman, Alice was loved by everyone.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Ryan-Parke Funeral Home in Park Ridge at 120 S. Northwest Highway followed by a funeral mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul of the Cross Church at 120 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge.  Burial service will be private.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Alice’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), Mercy Home for Boys and Girls (www.mercyhome.org) or Medical Aid to Northern Uganda (www.manugiving.org). 

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