Alison Claire Bentley, of Liverpool, was a vivacious and adoring Mommy, daughter, sister, caregiver, and friend. She left this world unexpectedly and entirely too soon on July 2, 2022 at the age of 68.  Alison was born on April 11, 1954 in Syracuse to Marilyn Edythe Baum Bentley and J. Gordon Bentley. She graduated from Liverpool High School in 1972 and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University in 1976. She also studied at Saint Martin's School of the Arts in London.  The next phase of life took Alison to the wild and exciting streets of New York City, where she was an artist, graphic designer, and participant in the emerging punk scene. You could find her dancing at Studio 54, enjoying fabulous parties with interesting people, and sporting ever-changing hair colors and style. She was a fierce advocate for tenants' rights and AIDS awareness, and was a lifelong LGBTQ ally.

Alison's trajectory toward compassionate caregiving began with her maternal grandparents, William and Edythe Baum, with whom she lived on Long Island after having her daughters, McKay and Conna.  Alison raised McKay and Conna in Liverpool, where she led her daughters' Girl Scout troops, volunteered at school functions, and participated in the Historical Association of Greater Liverpool. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and Church of the Saviour in Syracuse. She was the life of the party at her local bunco group, and was a lifelong bookworm and avid devotee of the Liverpool Public Library.  Village residents could often see Alison watering her beautiful garden on Third Street, including lush ferns, hostas, lilies, and coleus. Inside her home, Alison loved to create colorful crafts and decor, especially for Christmas. She loved binge-watching British television and enjoyed watching poignant black-and-white movies with her children. Alison loved animals, especially cats, owls, and ladybugs, and she was "mother" to many sweet cats and one crazy dog in her lifetime.

Alison was always available to advise, console and assist others, and leave them laughing with her quick wit and astute sense of humor. These gifts were an integral part of her strengths as a professional in-home caregiver. Her clients adored her and she compassionately accompanied many of them and their families through difficult times in their lives. Alison's most beloved "client" was her own mother Marilyn, for whom she lovingly cared throughout Marilyn's cancer treatment and peaceful passing.  Alison meticulously restored and cared for the Bentley family cottage on Lake Ontario near Pulaski, NY.  Her children are eternally grateful to her labor of love in maintaining the house and look forward to many years of future family memories to be made.  Alison is predeceased by her mother Marilyn Edythe Baum Bentley, her father J. Gordon Bentley, and her brother Bill Bentley.

She leaves many people to cherish her memory, including daughters McKay and Conna Walsh; her sons-in-law Andrew Christy and Justin Lanzafane; aunt Doris King; chosen sisters Lee Williams and Julie Evans; chosen brother Christopher Glembotzky; numerous "adopted" children; and countless friends near and far.

A calling hour will be held on Saturday, July 23, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Church of the Saviour, 437 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203 with funeral services to follow at 11:00 am also at Church of the Saviour. Alison will be privately interred at Liverpool Village Cemetery next to her beloved mother.

Contributions may be made in Alison's name to Church of the Saviour, 437 James Street, Syracuse; the Syracuse Gay & Lesbian Chorus, 232 E. Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13203 or the Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.

Honor Alison's vibrant and colorful life by unapologetically being yourself, showering your loved ones with unending support and care, and just having a plain old good time.

Please sign the funeral home on-line guest book for Alison to express your condolences to her family.