Alys R. Morande

Alys (Katz) Morande, beloved wife, aunt, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on August 22, 2025, at the age of 80. She was born on January 24, 1945, in Hartford, Connecticut, to the late Marvin and Marion Katz. She was also predeceased by her brother, Bradley Katz, and her devoted husband of 51 years, Robert J. (Bob) Morande. Alys was a lifelong educator who dedicated her career to teaching and inspiring others. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Connecticut and went on to teach 3rd grade at Buttonball Elementary School in Glastonbury, CT, where she was admired as both a teacher and a mentor. Known for her insistence on proper English and spelling, Alys instilled in her students an enduring respect for language. Later in life, she shared her talents by teaching English to Spanish-speaking adults through the Naples High School Adult Learning Program. She also delighted in teaching Mahjong to many friends over the years. Beyond her work in education, Alys gave generously of her time and talents to the community. She served as President of the Naples Library in Florida and was an active member of the Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of Life in Lee & Collier County. She was also an avid fundraiser for the blind, proudly giving “BEE” pins to those who donated, symbolizing “BEEing a friend for the blind.” Alys and Bob made Glastonbury, CT, their home for many years before retiring to Florida, where they enjoyed the past 25 years in Bonita Springs and Naples. Together, they created a life filled with love, community, and generosity. She is survived by her nephews, Kenneth Katz of New York, and Andrew (Dina) Katz of Pennsylvania, as well as her great-niece, Zoe Katz. Alys will be deeply missed by the Katz and Morande families, along with countless friends whose lives she touched with her kindness, humor, and devotion. Services for Alys will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, with Rabbi Adam F. Miller, officiating. For those that cannot attend the service will be livestreamed https://facebook.com/events/s/service-for-alys-r-morande/1292037949376894/? In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alys’s memory to: Hadassah (Florida Region): 40 Wall Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10005 or Hadassah.org/donate or to the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. 2501 South Plum St., Seattle, WA 98144 or at lhblind.org. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Alys R. Morande

January 24, 1945 - August 22, 2025