Alicia Loraine Haven

March 8, 1987   –   February 12, 2021

On February 12th at 3:08am (the date of her birth) the Lord wrapped his loving arms around our earthly angel Alicia and took her home. Alicia lived every moment of her life devoted to her faith. She proudly had the word faith tattooed on her arm, believed in the power of prayer, and daily read scripture to guide her life. Alicia’s journey on this earth lasted only 33 short years, the same as her Savior Jesus. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.

Charles and Kathleen Haven mourn the loss of their precious daughter. From birth Alicia was the focus of her father’s light. They were two souls connected in life to get the best out of each other. Alicia was the baby of the family and will be dearly missed by her four siblings and their children: Joan (Kevin) McNamara and Maureen and Lauren; Brian (Mary) Haven and Brian Michael and Jessica; Heather Brown VanderMolen and Max, Morgan, and Mel; Jeffrey (Molly) Brown and Newton, Edison, and Monroe; three aunts and three uncles and many cousins. She leaves behind her precious ragdoll kitten, Nala, who has finally joined her recently deceased grandmother’s ragdoll, Simba. Alicia considered so many of the people in her life to be her family.

After graduating from East Kentwood High School, Alicia attended Grand Valley State University. She graduated with an Elementary Education degree with a Mathematics major. It was her smile, energetic personality, and attention to detail that caught the attention of management at Vibration Research. In 2011, Alicia joined the VR family as their Shipping Administrator. Alicia felt blessed to have a job that she looked forward to going to every single day. Management shared that “Alicia was a cheerful voice every morning. She was an enthusiastic promoter ensuring we felt great about our successes. She loved to feed the office, contributed and planned many Friday company lunches. No holiday was ever missed, no event uncelebrated. She was comfortable in life and confident in God’s plan for her.”

Alicia lived every moment of her life with optimism and determination. She was driven with a competitive spirit that rivaled few. Alicia was a 10 year FAP colon cancer survivor, who was kicking cancer’s butt. She was triumphing over ongoing anxiety, depression, and addictions. She never let her health issues and internal struggles interfere with the hobbies and activities she found joy in. She loved cooking and baking, especially for others. Her love of the lake – kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and swimming – made her face light with happiness. She had become a master gardener and had her new condo decorated like pages from a magazine.

Alicia had an incredible passion for running, and left an unparalleled positive impact on countless lives in the running community. She showed an amazing commitment to training, being dedicated and goal-driven all year round. Her dedication led to the completion of numerous half marathons and 25Ks, as well as finishing her first official full marathon in fall 2019, and multi-day events like The Fred Running Relay and American Cancer Society Strides for Life. Her races didn’t stop at the finish lines, though, as Alicia was the first to go back out and run others in – adding several extra miles, each of which she would run with a smile. Plus, despite being goal-driven, she was always willing to compromise her own training in order to run with someone that needed an extra push and words of encouragement. A few of her phrases that were often said include, “Water stop to water stop”, and, “One foot in front of the other”. Another of her key phrases was, “If they think your dreams are crazy, show them what crazy dreams can do”. She exuded that in her own life as she was not just a runner but a triathlete as well. Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons stand among her many athletic achievements, and she was set to complete her first Half Iron Man this fall. But her list of athletic achievements extends far beyond the medals hanging on her wall, as it will include the future accomplishments of the lives she has touched and goals she has encouraged us to reach for. Alicia, you are still our mentor in our miles, and though we cannot see you, you will always be by our side, smiling every mile.

Alicia was beautiful inside and out. With love and grace she lived and will live on in our hearts forever. A lighthouse – a beacon of light, a tower of strength in the tumultuous storms in life, and a safe HAVEN.

Memorial contributions in honor of Alicia may be made to:

Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids – https://gildasclubgr.org/

Pine Rest IOP –
https://www.pinerest.org/addiction/intensive-outpatient-services/

My Team Triumph – https://mttwestmichigan.org/

Cancer Research at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital. Checks made out to:
HDVCH PORT
Attn: Colleen Thompson
100 Michigan Ave NE
M/C 247
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Alicia’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.