TOPSFIELD – Mrs. Alice J. (Bernard) Bencal, 83 of Topsfield, loving wife of 63 years to the late Walter A. Bencal, Jr., passed away suddenly, at her home on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Born in Salem, Alice was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marie (Nadeau) Bernard. Raised and educated in Salem, Alice attended Salem Public Schools, graduating from Salem High School in 1957, continuing her education at Salem State College where she received her bachelor's degree in Education. She was a devoted Roman Catholic and attended mass regularly at St. Rose of Lima Church in Topsfield.

A kind and compassionate woman, Alice devoted her entire professional career to education, teaching special education in elementary school's for both the Peabody and Lawrence Public School System's. She was an exceptionally skilled and kind teacher who was valued and respected by countless students and staff throughout her 30-year career.

A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend; Alice was the solid foundation and core of her family. She was truly the North Star and she mentored and guided her children and grandchildren with kindness and respect, instilling in each of them the core values and a strong work ethic that allowed them to succeed in their own endeavors. A proud mother and grandmother, Alice was always there, supporting her children through all events and ten-fold when it came to her grandchildren, helping with childcare, school pick-ups and a lot of babysitting.  Together, Alice and Walter enjoyed life; traveling all over the world on many cruises, golfing or just enjoying the company of their devoted family. She had many long-lasting friendships and was always available to share a meal and a laugh. Alice will be fondly remembered for her gentle soul and will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by her daughters, Laurie Bencal of Charlestown and Lynne Evaul of Topsfield; her son, Christopher Bencal and his wife, Karen Krause-Bencal of Ipswich; her beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Sean and Jack Evaul of Topsfield and Emily and Kaitlyn Bencal of Ipswich; her sister, Pauline Vass and her husband, Edward of Salem; her brother, Joseph Bernard of Gilford, NH; nieces, Victoria Vass, Heidi Gudaitis and several other loving nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Alice's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Monday, November 4th at 10:30 A.M. Burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 3rd from 2 to 5 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice's memory may be made to: Home Base Veteran and Family Care ( Homebase.org ) and Charlestown Boys & Girls Club of Boston ( bgcb.org/find-your-club/Charlestown-club/ ). To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.