Alice Moreno

Long-time Napa resident Alice M. Moreno, 94, died on January 7, 2025 in Napa.

Alice was born on March 14, 1930 in Waterloo, Iowa to Joseph and Florence Peiffer. As a child during The Depression, her family often moved, living in Iowa, Indiana, Oregon and California. While a junior at Berkeley High School, she entered the convent at Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in St. Francis, Wisconsin, where she became Sister Yvonne Therese Peiffer. She received her B.A. from Lone Mountain College in San Francisco and a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch College in Wisconsin.

Alice taught at St. Bruno Parochial School in San Bruno and later at the Hannah Boys Center in Sonoma. While there she started the Hanna Boys Center choir, which frequently traveled to perform. In 1968, she left the order and moved to Sonoma where her friend Dee Jaehrling, also a former nun, helped Alice and others transition to life after the order. Alice became a special education teacher in Vallejo. For many years she was a sales representative for educational books. Alice also taught adult education at Napa Valley College.

In 1981, while playing tennis at Napa Valley College, she met Ange Moreno. They were married in 1984. In their 40 years of marriage, they traveled around the country and to China, frequently to Mexico and took several trips to Europe. 

Alice is remembered for her vibrant smile, enthusiasm and the joy she’d always bring to the room. Always thinking of others, she was an advocate for the disenfranchised. As a nun she took part in civil rights marches. A big fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, she frequented their games and especially enjoyed the annual Giants players luncheons and spring training.

Alice is survived by her husband, Ange Moreno of Napa; sisters Yvonne Shepherd of Centralia, Wash., Jeanette Peiffer of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother John Peiffer of Chehalis, Wash.; stepchildren Julie (Tony) Smith of Vacaville, Matt (Linda) Moreno of Napa, Paul (Alyson) Moreno of Chico; nephews George, Mike, Bill, Tim and Robert Fosset; Paul Peiffer and niece Renee Taylor; and numerous grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her half-brother James Stewart, brother William Peiffer and stepson Craig (Louise) Moreno.

Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church in Napa at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, followed by a reception at Tulocay Cemetery Funeral Home. Interment will be private.

Her husband Ange would like to personally thank the caregivers at Stayman Estates in Napa for providing Alice comfort.

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