Alice M. Hennessy (nee Muller), 94, of. Norwood, NJ, passed away at home on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Alice was the beloved wife of the late Robert C. Hennessy for 63 years, and a loving mother and friend to John and his wife Cheryl Hennessy of Mahwah, NJ and Kathleen Hennessy of Norwood, NJ.
Alice was born in Baguio, Philippines to John Muller and Laney Ngausi Muller. She was one of their ten children.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Geraldine Muller of Tucson, Arizona, and her sister-in-law Sherry Hennessy Plevretes and husband George Plevretes of East Norwich, NY, and many wonderful nephews and nieces.
When Alice was an infant in the Philippines, she almost died. The Igorot people – the indigenous mountain people in the Philippines – held a Canao for her, a ceremony in which she was given a new name for her second chance at life. And the name they chose was Vida which means life. And what a full, rich, and interesting life she had.
She had many occupations and experiences. She was a reporter in the Philippines, and a Catholic school teacher in New York. But she says her favorite time in life was when she was a young mother, caring for her husband Bob and raising her children.
She was an artist who created beautiful paintings, and wrote short stories about her family’s experiences during World War II. She and her husband Bob studied clowning and ballroom dancing.
Alice had a very strong Christian faith and taught CCD religious education for almost 40 years. She was extremely generous, and always shared what she had. She was known for always carrying and giving out candy – to her CCD students after each class, to her friends, and even to her doctors.
Alice loved to laugh. She loved travel, flower gardens, music, theater, casinos, and anything she thought would bring her closer to the Lord.
She will be greatly missed.
Visiting hours will be Friday June 5, 2026 from 11 am to noon at the Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave. Northvale, NJ. (201)767-3050. A Funeral Service will be held at 12 noon with internment to follow at the Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.
Hello, I am Laurie. One of many nieces of Alice… Auntie Vida as we foundly call her. Her second name. Full of life she is! Always on the go, moving around asking questions with her inquisitive mind. Always kidding a round with a twinkle in her eye. Auntie was a very good storyteller. She always pulled a memory from many many adventures be it her own or the Muller family or the Hennessy family too… not gossip but stories beautiful, insightful, hilarious stories. When she tells her stories her enthusiasm heightens, her eyes twinkle and her voice sings like a bird … her voice has always been so feminine. But dont kid yourself auntie is firm to what stands right and is strong by her convictions. She loves her families. The Muller’s and Hennessy’s. A strong compassionate woman. She and Uncle Bob have quietly helped many people. And in the end all they would ask if everything turned out ok. No ask for recognition nothing. Just hoped to make the situation lighter.
Auntie had a way to understand her nieces. Years ago when I was a mere 22 year old coming to the Jersey for the first time she and Uncle and at times when Katie was not busy at work gave me THE Tour! Started with Uncle Bobs run to COSTCO next day feed the poor and homeless at a halfway house in Newark. Then an afternoon in Norwood where auntie excitedly pointed out Stevie Wonders residence and Brooke Shields. We went to a string of different burger joints and Uncle would say Vida why we would go to different fast food chains and order a burger she would say in the islands we are so limited with burger places … and I must agree it was yum! As we went into the city and crossed George Washington ridge… auntie would say whats under Washington Bridge…. answer Martha…. what a kidder! Uncle would get embarrassed…. we continue with a fun day in the city. Snoozing at the planetarium during a light show at the Museum of Natural History, Coney Island, FAO Swartz toystore on Five Avenue! The Bronx Zoo, Reading Railroad, New Hope, Twin Towers I have a picture of Katie about to throw me off and many many more.
Though that was all fun but most endearing were the phone calls, listening to the brother and sister chat, share thoughts guidance and share lots of love and concern for family the Muller’s and respective inmmediate families. And their opinions of the best movie for the week!! How auntie loved Harry Potter and mystical movies! There are so many many dear memories ! Their joy to meet in Las Vegas and play together….
How do record 94 years of life? I can go on and on with my little adventures with auntie. We visited Mankayan in 1999 when her brother passed and it was a trip to get there when checking our food/snack supply auntie would ask “where is the coke?” We have to always have Coke !
Love you Auntie will miss you … till we meet again !