Obituary: Alicia Urban Was Prominent Presence in Shorewood

Alicia Urban will be remembered for her volunteerism and energetic and magical personality that touched so many with kindness, generosity, warmth, love and fun. She passed away Sunday at the age of 43. 

Urban was devoted to her family, her friends, her community, and her business Elements East. She volunteered actively with Friends of Atwater Beach, Pearls for Teen Girls, Public Allies and Holton Youth Center.

She was a world traveler who spoke fluent Chinese, and had an eye for beauty that crossed cultures.

Wife for 18 years of Jay Urban. Mother of Bryn Claire and Piper Jayne Urban. Daughter of Frank and Linda Paavola. Sister of Chris (Nina) Paavola. Further survived by other relatives and many wonderful friends. 

There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Urban's life at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Windhover Hall, 700 N. Art Museum Dr., on Saturday from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., with a time of sharing at 6 p.m. In loving memory of Alicia, memorials may be made to the Friends of Atwater Beach, c/o The Shorewood Foundation, Shorewood Village Hall, 3930 N. Murray Ave., Shorewood, WI 53211. (Checks should be payable to the Shorewood Foundation with a memo electing Friends of Atwater Beach).

Friends of Atwater Beach are planning a remembrance on Friday night.

"Bring a candle to Atwater Beach Friday night, 7:00 pm, for a moment of silence and a tribute to our dear friend and neighbor, Alicia," a member posted on the group's Facebook page.

Atwater Elementary sent this letter to families on Wednesday:

We were deeply saddened to learn that Shorewood parent, Alicia Urban, passed away last Sunday. Alicia and her husband have two daughters in the Shorewood Schools, Bryn and Piper. The Urbans have been great supporters of the Shorewood Schools and Community.  They have played a pivotal role in the development of Atwater Park.

(Obituary courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home)