Alice (Carragher) Riordan Paris

Alice Riordan Paris (née Carragher), 87, of Avalon, NJ, formerly of Mays Landing, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born April 3, 1939, in Newark, NJ, Alice lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, her work, and the many people and animals whose lives she touched.

Alice led an active and varied professional life. Her career journey took her from the Monmouth County Welfare Board to Collective Federal Bank, Wheaton’s Plastic, The Claridge Casino, and Betty Bacharach Rehabilitation Hospital. She was also the founder of Riordan’s Kennel & Grooming Salon in Mays Landing, NJ, now a thriving third‑generation family business that continues her legacy of care and commitment.

Alongside her first husband, William “Bill” Riordan, Alice bred championship Great Danes, earning a respected reputation for excellence and dedication to the betterment of the breed. Families often waited up to two years for one of their puppies, a testament to the love and expertise she poured into her work.

Alice’s compassion extended far beyond animals. Her gentle spirit led her to become a hospice volunteer, offering comfort and presence to those in their final days. She also served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Brendan the Navigator Church in Avalon, NJ, where her devotion to her faith was evident in every act of service.

Her love of beauty found expression in her flower garden, especially her cherished roses. She took classes in floral arrangement and delighted in creating pieces that brought joy to all who received them. Yet, of all her passions, her greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren often with a Budweiser in hand surrounded by laughter, stories, and the warmth of togetherness.

Alice is predeceased by her first husband, William Riordan, and her beloved daughter Judith Siciliano (S. Edward). She is also predeceased by her brothers William (Eileen), Joseph (Annie), Thomas (Joanie), and Patrick (Beverly) Carragher; and her sisters Catherine Magauran (John), Anne Ciriello (Mike), and Marie Gould (David).

She is survived by her loving husband, John “Jack” Paris, and her adoring children Linda LaTorre (Joe), William Riordan (Joy), Susan Tunney, Thomas Riordan (Kelly), and Alice Riordan (Keith Metzger). Upon her marriage to Jack, she warmly welcomed his children and their families into her heart, Sherry Paugh (Richard), Margaret Baker (Thomas), John Paris (Theresa), and James Paris (Linda).

Alice, affectionately called Bubba, leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Jennifer Laning (John and their children Mary and Milton), Ryan LaTorre (Katie), Christine Green (David and their children Hannah and Benjamin), Elizabeth Strunk (Miguel), Alexis Tunney (Tom), Jessica Sullivan (Christopher), Shannon Nicole Tunney (Preston) and many more who will forever carry her love forward.

Alice’s life was one of generosity, devotion, humor, and unwavering love. Her legacy lives on in her family, her faith community, the kennel she built, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness.

To celebrate her life, family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Vincent de Paul Church on 5021 Harding Highway, Mays Landing, NJ 08330. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 12:00 PM. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Atlantic City Rescue Mission, 2009 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401.