Alice Behan

Alice O’Neill Behan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, October 24, 2025. Born on March 26, 1945, in Youngstown, Ohio, Alice lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. She graduated from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and later earned a Master's degree from the University of Central Florida. After marrying her only true love, Jimmy Behan, whom she had known since third grade, Alice moved to Orlando, where they built a beautiful life together. Alice dedicated over 40 years to teaching sixth-grade Social Studies for Orange County Public Schools. Her passion for education and her unwavering commitment to her students influenced thousands of middle schoolers. Outside the classroom, Alice found joy in sailing, shopping, reading, and volunteer work. In June 2009, Hospice of the Comforter awarded Alice their Diamond Volunteer of the Year Award for more than six years of exemplary service. But her greatest joy came from her family. She and Jim raised one cherished daughter, Bernadette Ann, of Winter Park, Florida. The three shared an exceptionally close bond, built on love, laughter, and faith. Alice’s heart expanded further with the arrival of her grandchildren, Patrick James and Madeleine Marie, gifts from Bernadette and her husband, Patrick John McGinley. These two blessings filled Alice’s retirement years with purpose and delight. She played school with them, picked them up from class, and even helped with sixth-grade homework, bringing her teaching full circle. A devout Catholic, Alice’s faith was the foundation of her life. For over four decades, she was an active member of Annunciation Catholic Church, where she and her husband, Jim, were founding parishioners. For many years, she served the parish as a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the bereavement committee. Her faith shaped her integrity, honesty, and loyalty to friends, colleagues, and family. Alice is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McGinley of Winter Park; her precious grandchildren, Patrick James and Madeleine Marie; her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. George O’Neill of Atlanta; and her nieces and nephews: Mr. and Mrs. George J. O’Neill of Atlanta, Mr. Christopher O’Neill of Atlanta, Ms. Allison O’Neill of Georgia, and Miss Michelle Waback of Ohio. She also leaves behind one great-nephew, Finn George O’Neill of Atlanta. Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, and her brother, Mr. Charles O’Neill. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she adored, and the faith that guided her every step. Alice's funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 13 at 10am at Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs.

Alice Behan

March 26, 1945 - October 24, 2025