Our beloved Alice Jane Read was born on November 30, 1936, and passed on June 17, 2026 at the age of 89. Alice lived with a bold personality, a hearty laugh, and a gift for finding fun wherever she went.

Alice was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Walter Stanford Cozad and Martha Emma Cozad, whose maiden name was Hensley. She grew up in Central Indiana on a farm with her siblings, Wesley “Sonny” Cozad, Grace Cozad Rowe, and David Cozad. She graduated from Pike Township High School in Augusta, Indiana in 1954.

Alice pursued her passion for others and obtained her nursing degree from Purdue University, followed by her master’s degree in nursing administration from IUPUI. She was a Registered Nurse her entire working career, serving in various settings, including operating rooms in Indianapolis and Austin, Texas.

As a mother, Alice instilled confidence in her children and encouraged them to make the most out of life. She taught Pam, John, and Patrick to explore, try things, and not be afraid.

Alice married Jack Eugene Read, also from Indiana, over thirty years ago in an eventful Halloween celebration. They retired to The Villages, Florida, in February 2002, where they found the perfect atmosphere to golf regularly, meet new friends, host gatherings, and enjoy life together. As often as possible, they returned to Indiana for class reunions and the chance to make and share more stories.

Alice had an outgoing and bold personality. It was no surprise that she was the Homecoming Queen in high school. She had a vibrance for life, and you could hear her hearty laugh from afar. She particularly enjoyed meeting new people, bringing family and friends together, and making ordinary moments feel memorable.

She loved to give little gifts, like cocktail napkins with odd and funny sayings, and those napkins were a staple packed in her suitcase. She might also have packed her electric skillet so she could make her son the fried chicken he loved. She hosted the most fun Thanksgivings, bringing extended family together, serving food, and making everyone laugh while wearing a bikini apron.

Alice created fun, and she loved hard. She would often tear up telling her loved ones how much they meant to her and squeeze them tightly enough that they could feel it.

Alice is survived by her husband, Jack Eugene Read; her three children, Pam (Juan) Flores, John (Shelley) Bellamy, and Patrick Bellamy; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Alice would want us to share a laugh and raise a glass in celebration of her journey home.

Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.