Alice (Leite) Arruda, age 92 of Somerset, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 at Catholic Memorial Home with her loving family by her side. Born in Fall River, Alice was the daughter of the late Arthur and Anna (Santos) Leite, and the companion of the late Alvino Rei.

Alice graduated from B.M.C Durfee High School and earned her cosmetology license.  Alice was a proprietor of My Lady's Hair Stylist in Somerset for over fifty years. Through the years, Alice was an active member in the community of Somerset and received numerous honors and service awards for her efforts.

Alice was the past president of the Somerset Friends of Music for many years and a founding member of Somerset's "Musictown Festival" which will be celebrating fifty years this October.  Alice loved to volunteer her time to the music department of Somerset High School.  From chaperoning music trips, to doing hair and makeup for the drama productions and organizing fundraisers to help the music students, Alice was always proud to support the music department.

Alice was a communicant of St. John of God Church and was an active member in the women's guild, scholarship committee and parish feast.  Alice received the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River in recognition of her many years of service to St. John of God Church.

Alice loved spending time with her family.  For twenty years, Alice organized and hosted an annual family reunion, bringing together generations of family members and inspiring lasting relationships.  Most of all, Alice loved spending time with her daughter and grandchildren.  Affectionately known as "Gram," she was at every performance, production, or parade.  Everyone always knew she was in attendance when they heard her cowbell from the sidelines!  Alice loved Disney World and enjoyed numerous trips to Florida and was so proud to watch her daughter and grandchildren march down Main St, U.S.A. with the marching band.

Alice is survived by her daughter: Donna Murphy (husband Edward) of Somerset; her grandchildren: Jennifer Murphy Estacio (husband Scotty) and Stephen Murphy (companion Alexis); as well as many relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff members at Catholic Memorial Home for their kindness, compassion and outstanding caring service.

Alice's funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River on Saturday, Dec. 10 ^TH here at 8:00 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John of God Church at 9:00 A.M. Entombment to follow in Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum. Calling hours on Friday, Dec. 9 ^TH from 4-8 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice's memory can be made to Somerset Musictown Festival, P.O. Box 242 Somerset, MA.