Alyson J. Macolino

MACOLINO, Alyson J. 1/9/1975 – 2/10/2019 Age 44 years of Omaha Alyson was born on January 9, 1975 during the “Great Blizzard of 75” that raked the whole Midwest. She was born in Concordia, Kansas. Most babies don’t cry tears when born, but Alyson had them, tears usually occur several weeks later. This was a statement to the world saying, “I’m here, deal with it!” It’s surprising that Alyson had any cheeks left during her infancy. Every time we entered a store, people would come over and pinch and pull her cheeks while marveling at her curly red hair and petite nose. As Alyson grew in stature she enjoyed reading books, and playing with her Barbies, and surprisingly Star Wars action figures. At that same time she discovered music. The love and appreciation of music followed her throughout the rest of her life. There wasn’t a song written from the 1970’s to the present that she couldn’t name the title or band. When Alyson was seven she was joined by a little sister, Jenna that she loved to mercilessly tease and love. In grade school and up to high school Alyson participated in soccer and basketball. She played in competitive traveling leagues. She even broke her nose in a soccer game while playing goalkeeper. Luckily, her petite nose remained intact. After high school attended college, but her whole world changed dramatically when she applied for a flight attendant position with Midwest Airlines and was hired. There she met her future husband, Lupo Macolino, a pilot with Midwest Air. Together they traveled while working and relaxing. They even spent time in the village in Italy where her husband Lupo was born. When ever we flew on trips, we would receive “The Extra Special Attention” from flight crews because of their respect and love for Alyson. Alyson passed away on February 10, 2019. She left behind a unique and diverse group of friends and relatives that you will ever see. There is a core group of friends from grade school, middle school, and high school. Then there are her “National Friends.” These are the friends that she connected with while flying all across the nation, and their numbers are legion. Alyson had that rare ability to light up a room with her presence and smile, and razor wit. She was a powerful advocate for all underdogs and people that experienced struggles. This was also true for her love and appreciation of animals, especially her two cats. Righting the wrongs of the less fortunate and the abuse of animals were her concerns. Alyson was a collector of music related items, but also a collector of weird, funky, eclectic items. The world is a less interesting place without Alyson in it. She came into this world with tears, and she is leaving it with all our tears. Alyson is survived by her husband of 17 years, Lupo Macolino; Parents Pete & Bonnie Menks; Sister Jenna McNally & husband Pat; Niece & Nephew: Morgan & Paddy McNally; Many other relatives and friends. Memorial Mass: Friday, Feb. 22, 2019 at 10:30am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church (5801 Oak Hills Dr.) In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Nebraska Humane Society or Children’s Hospital BRAMAN MORTUARY (Southwest Chapel) 6505 S. 144th St. Omaha, NE 402-895-3400