Alyce Mayo was a talented and creative woman who had a successful career in various fields such as music, painting, fabric design, and interior design. She was also the first wife of the famous actor Peter Falk, who played the iconic role of Lieutenant Columbo in the TV series Columbo. Alyce and Peter were married for 16 years and had two adopted daughters, Jacqueline and Catherine. They divorced in 1976 and both remarried later. Alyce passed away on March 7, 2016 at the age of 85 in Beverly Hills, California. But what was the cause of her death?
Pneumonia and Alzheimer’s Disease
According to her obituary published by Los Angeles Times, Alyce Mayo’s death was primarily caused by pneumonia, a lung infection that can lead to serious complications such as respiratory failure, sepsis, and organ damage. Pneumonia can be caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Some of the common symptoms of pneumonia include cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals depending on the cause of the infection. However, some factors can increase the risk of developing pneumonia or having a severe case of it, such as age, smoking, chronic lung diseases, weakened immune system, or other underlying health conditions.
One of the underlying health conditions that Alyce Mayo had was Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a decline in cognitive abilities that interferes with everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which damage and kill brain cells over time. Some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, confusion, difficulty performing familiar tasks, language problems, mood changes, and poor judgment. Alzheimer’s disease has no cure and its progression varies from person to person. Some people may live for many years with mild symptoms while others may experience a rapid decline in their cognitive and physical abilities.
Alzheimer’s disease can also increase the risk of developing pneumonia or other infections because it can impair the immune system, affect swallowing and breathing functions, reduce mobility and activity levels, and make it harder to recognize and report symptoms . Moreover, Alzheimer’s disease can also complicate the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia or other infections because it can interfere with communication skills, medical history recall, consent giving, medication adherence, and follow-up care .
A Life Well Lived
Despite her health challenges in her later years, Alyce Mayo lived a productive and fulfilling life that included many friends and special relationships. She enjoyed traveling to Europe and cruising with good friends. She loved to take daily walks, participate in the SAGES (a senior group for the arts at All Saints’ Church in Beverly Hills), and spend time with her beloved dogs. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time outside in nature. She was also a loving woman who dedicated herself to the people in her life. She could always be counted on and was a generous, loyal, and loving friend.
Alyce Mayo was survived by her daughters Jacqueline Falk of Los Angeles and Catherine Falk-Rothchild of San Marino; son-in-law Maynard Rothchild; two grandchildren Logan and Liam Rothchild; a sister Edwina Downs of Pennington; and former husband Harry Derleth. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Alice Mayo; her sister Jacquelyn Mayo; and her ex-husband Peter Falk.
Alyce Mayo’s cause of death was a sad end to a remarkable life. She will be remembered for her artistic talents, her musical skills, her warm personality, and her love for her family and friends. She will be missed by many who knew her and admired her. Rest in peace Alyce Mayo.
