Elizabeth “Alice" Markarian

With hearts filled with both sorrow and gratitude, we bid farewell to Elizabeth “Alice” Markarian, affectionately known to many as Nana. Born on December 29, 1924, in Portland, Maine, Alice was a beacon of love and selflessness throughout her 101 years, leaving a legacy of warmth and creativity when she passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, in the same city that had always been her home.

Alice’s life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family ties. She was a devoted daughter to her late parents, Antonio and Camilla Cipriano, and a caring sister to her deceased siblings, Michael, Raffaele, John, Constantino, Luigi, Dominic, Christine, Mary, Angelina, Antonette, Maria Civita, Florence, and Rose. Her heart knew the depths of love and loss, having been predeceased by her beloved husband, Solomon Markarian, her cherished daughter, Delores Pierce, and her dear grandson, Christopher Pierce, among numerous nieces and nephews.

Despite these losses, Alice’s spirit remained unbroken, and her capacity to love only grew. She is survived by her loving son, Michael and his wife, Linda, her loving granddaughters, Heidi McDonald and Melissa Licciardo, and her caring grandson, Brian Markarian and his wife, Christine. Her legacy continues to flourish through her great-grandchildren, Carlie Houston and her husband Bobby, Tristan McDonald, Gage Licciardo, Casey Markarian, and Sawyer Markarian, as well as eleven nieces and nephews who will carry her memory forward.

A proud graduate of Portland High School in 1942, Alice embodied lifelong learning and an unwavering work ethic. After dedicating years to caring for her mother, she embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting a catering service and showcasing her talents in wallpapering and interior house painting. Her hands were rarely still, as she found solace and joy in knitting, cooking, and crafting cookies and candies that delighted all who were lucky enough to taste them.

Alice’s faith in Christ was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her actions and her outlook on life. She lived her faith through acts of kindness and a commitment to helping others, always putting the needs of her family and friends before her own. It was this selflessness that made her the embodiment of the Christian spirit.

Her life was a canvas of love and creativity, and those who knew her were inspired by her ability to find beauty in the everyday. Alice’s nurturing presence was a gift that she gave freely, and her memory will continue to inspire us to live with the same generosity of spirit.

As we reflect on Alice’s journey, we are reminded of the words of Helen Keller: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Alice’s love, indeed, has become a part of us all, and her legacy will live on through the lives she touched.

May we find comfort in knowing that Alice has been welcomed into the arms of her Savior, reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her, and may her story continue to motivate us to live with love, creativity, and an unwavering faith. As we honor the life of Elizabeth “Alice” Markarian, let us each strive to embody the virtues she lived by, and let her memory be a blessing that enriches our days.

Visiting Hours will be held from 2-5PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Avenue, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Monday, January 12, 2026 at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.