Mary Ann Alexander
March 29, 2020
Died at University Hospital, London, Sunday, March 29. She was born in Chatham, Ontario Oct. 17, 1932, daughter of Philip and Velma Alexander. She is survived by nephews Jay (Margaret), Paul (Janice) and niece Lee Ann, plus several grandnieces and nephews.
Mary Ann enjoyed a long career in education, as a primary teacher, then as consultant of Religious Education in Windsor, and finally as Coordinator of Religion and Family Life for the London and Middlesex RCSS Board. She was principal of summer courses for many years for the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association. Mary Ann held a B.A. and a M.A. from the University of Windsor.
Mary Ann valued her service as a board member of the Seniors Apartments of Komoka, and she was a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital for more than twenty-five years following her retirement.
An avid traveller, Mary Ann visited India, Russia, China, Italy, France, and most other European countries, England, Ireland and Scotland. Of late, she enjoyed several river cruises and loved sharing travel stories with friends. Of all her destinations, most loved was the Holy Land, to which she journeyed more than fifty times, assisting pilgrims with worship at holy sites. She counted many pilgrims among her friends, and valued friendships with many Israelis. Her last trip to the Holy Land was in October.
Mary Ann enjoyed entertaining, welcoming people into her home to share food and wine.
She had a passion for the welfare of animals, and faithfully cared for the wildlife surrounding her country property. The deer, wild turkeys and geese flocked to the property for Mary Ann’s care. She rescued dozens of cats over the years, loved the dogs, and will be missed by Little One, Flambeau, Magic and Uni.
Mary Ann was a woman of deep faith, dedicated to family, friends and church. She was a member of Holy Family Church after the closure of Sacred Heart Church, Delaware, and a member of the Catholic Women’s League. She was a supporter of many charities, including her sponsorship of several foster children.
She will be missed by many, especially by her dearest and closest friend Joan Bolt, with whom she shared a home for more than fifty years.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In memory of Mary Ann, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the SPCA or to the Diocesan Missions.
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We offer our deepest sympathy Joan on the death of Mary Ann. We so much enjoyed our trip to Israel with the two of you. We had so many enlightening conversations with Mary Ann and learned so much from the both of you during those 2 weeks. The life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus has taken on a whole new meaning since that trip. We had always hoped to get to Rome some day with the two of you. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Doug and Marilyn Gutteridge
On behalf of the Regan family, Joan please accept our deepest sympathies. My father thought the world of Mary Ann. Together, you and Mary Ann represented the best of the London -Middlesex Catholic schools. One cannot recall the two of you without a smile... the inimitable click of Mary Ann's shoes, the gentle nudging of young teachers to make the most of the help you offered so willingly, the warm dispositions. God bless you and God bless Mary Ann Alexander.
Mary Ann and I went to Normal School in South London in 1951-52 and I have known her since then. It was always a pleasure to visiti mary Ann and Joan at their home farm. She was aspectacular educator and always put forth great sffort. I am proud to have beena friend and happy to have known both Mary Ann and Joan. Best wishes to you Joan and condolances on your loss of a great companion. Sincerely, Isabel
Mary and I were saddened to hear of Mary Ann's passing. She was a wonderful person, a well loved and respected colleague with a great sense of humor. Time spent with her was time well spent. Our condolences to you Joan, on your loss. Peace and God bless.
Our thoughts and prayers on behalf of my grandmother and myself. We met Mary Ann during our pilgrimage tour in 2019. She was very kind and knowledgeable. Her dedication to the faith is inspiring and I hope it continues to inspire all that have met her. With sincere condolences and sympathy to her family and friends... Amor and Pilar
I have special memories of Mary Ann, who was a host (with Joan) on a trip I took to the Holy Land in 1999. I was bumped off a cancelled (Anglican) tour onto theirs and never had a moment to regret it. Mary Ann exuded a joy and welcome that made her a delight. Despite the many trips she had already taken there by the time I met her, she seemed to relish it as if it were her first time. She had the heart of pilgrim.
Dear Joan, Mary Ann is finally @Peace.....You have wonderful memories of your beautiful friendship together.May God help you to go forward with the love and comfort of your many friends and family.You will be in my Prayers.â¤ï¸Hugs Jackie Buchanan
Dear Joan While working together at the LMC, it was impossible to say Joan without saying Joan and Mary Ann. Together you were a remarkable duo that modelled a friendship rich with respect, humour and dedication to Catholic Education. I am thinking of you at this sad time and know that your faith will guide you to peace while honouring the memory of the incredible memories you've shared with Mary Ann. You're in my prayers, Sally
Dear Joan, I was so saddened by the news of Mary Ann's passing. What a great woman she was of faith, fun and conviction in her faith. She was so good at herding the sheep on the pilgrimages, I marvelled at her ability. She will be missed by many and no doubt welcomed by many in her new Home. My sympathy to you Joan, keep the good memories close to your heart, they will sustain you.
Dear Joan, my deepest sympathies to you on the passing of your good friend and Soul Mate Mary Ann. I am blessed to have known Mary Ann and to have joined her on so many trips. She is at peace now with the Lord. May she rest in peace, Jane Williams
Dear Joan, Cathie and I offer our dearest sympathies to you. You and Mary Ann touched the lives of countless people with you leadership , compassion and friendship. She was a fellow pilgrim to so many and helped formed the faith development of countless educators and children. I count her among the giants in catholic education. Personally she was a not only a friend and coworker but more a mentor and fellow disciple along life's journey for many years. She was a source of His grace in our lives. Know that we share your loss of your companion and offer our prayer for you and wrap you in our embrace of loving friendship. Cathie & John Van Dommelen
Dear Joan Paulette and I send our deepest sympathies to you .We feel the pain of Mary Ann 's passing , "gone to the Lord" as you so lovingly put it .We are so privileged to have had the pleasure to see you both in Florida and Israel just a few months ago. Joan , May the Good Lord keep you in His Hands and hold you tenderly in these moments of sorrow. Mary Ann took good care of us in our travelling even though she was very sick .May she rest in peace in her New Home and watch over Joan and if you can , over us . David and Paulette
Joan, Lynda and I learned of Mary Anne's passing with sorrow and offer you our sincere sympathies at the loss of a dear and lifelong friend. I had the good fortune of sharing many conversations with Mary Anne over the years and I was always struck by her faith and conviction which she expressed in a positive, forthright manner, often leavened by her delightful sense of humour. May she rest in peace, and may the memories the two of you shared sustain you in your loss.
We were sorry to hear about Mary Ann's passing. We both knew and respected her for her deep faith and bright smile. Our prayers are with you, Joan, during this difficult time and we know our faith in God always helps us to bear our sorrows and difficulties during times like these. Frank & Juin Burnett
Dear Joan, please accept my deep sympathies in the loss of a very, very dear friend. It was always a pleasure and a joy observing you and Mary Ann working so well together to make the experience of a pilgrim on pilgrimage such a highlight in their lives. You and Mary Ann, with your deep faith and love of the Lord, led us by example to the core sacred places in the world, especially in the Holy Land. We will never forget you. We will always love you and hold you in our prayers and hearts. Peace!
Joan, my deepest sympathies for the loss of Mary Ann. I learned much from her in summer courses over the years as well as being influenced by her in her role as coordinator of religion and family life. She always had room for all of our opinions in that wonderful big smile of hers. She will be treasured in the memories of many of us who know you both. Her life will always be celebrated. Take care, Pauline
Dear Joan, We are very sad to hear about Mary Ann's passing. We enjoyed travelling with you and Mary Ann to both Italy and the Holy Land.Mary Ann was a very welcoming lady who took care of all of her pilgrims and and she will be missed. May God wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time.We will be praying for you.God Bless ....Tom and Debby Venne
Dear Joan, Mary Ann was such a woman of faith and through this we know she is in a much better place, But it is so hard to say goodbye! Her friendship, kindness, love and her beautiful smile meant so much to so many. I treasure the time we shared on the many travels and adventures as well as quiet times at your lovely home. Joan, please take comfort in the many years of such deep friendship that you two shared and may the memories of so many good times bring you peace and joy. You and MaryAnn are both in my thoughts and prayers. Much Love, Elizabeth
Dear Joan, we are so heart-broken to hear this news. Know that you are in our prayers along with our love at this time. May Mary Ann rest in peace.
Dear Joan, our hearts go out to you on the loss of your dearest friend and travel companion. Edgar and I will miss her very much. We have such wonderful memories of our travels together and the social gatherings we shared. You are both in our prayers. Shalom, Rosina and Edgar.
Dear Joan, so sorry to learn of the passing of Mary Ann, she was such a lovely, kind lady. I am sending my thoughts, and prayers your way. Love, Betty Girty
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My thoughts & prayer are with the family and especially to you Joan!! Over the years I had many opportunities to witness Mary Ann's expertise and enthusiasm in so many areas...the numerous workshops and gatherings over the years. The London Catholic School Board was so very fortunate to have someone like Mary Ann to keep them on the right track! It was also my fortune to be part of the many trips organized by Joan & Mary Ann...from the Holy Land, to Italy and I might add that we enjoyed our glass of Guinness in Ireland!! May the angels be there to greet you Mary Ann! God bless. Sarah Lucier
~ Sarah Lucier