Obituary of Dorene Elizabeth Alexander

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Dorene Elizabeth Alexander on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Dorene was known as “Deanie” to many and later “Nanny D” by her grandchildren. Dorene was born in Charleston, New Brunswick on August 18, 1946, to parents Frank McLean and H. Mae (Lawrence) McLean.

Dorene’s beloved husband of fifty-five years, Herbert William "Bill" Alexander passed away in 2022.  Dorene is survived by her loving children: Michael (Cathy) of Rothesay, NB, Darren (Sue) of Edmonton, AB, and Kimberly LeRoy (Jon) of Sarnia, ON.  She will be deeply missed by her eleven grandchildren, whom she dearly loved: Tom, Sophie, and Maggie Alexander, Sabrina, Brooklyn, Harrison, Charlie, and Andrew Alexander, and Ruby, Owen, and Ivan LeRoy.  She is also survived by her thoughtful and caring siblings, brothers, Dwain McLean (Joan) and Darrel McLean (Tanya), and sister, Lois McLean; as well as several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, brother, Lawrence McLean, sister, Ina (McLean) Everett, brother-in-law, Floyd Everett, niece, Marilee McLean, and cousin-in-law, George McDougall (Inez).

Dorene was a member of the New Brunswick Teachers Association. She began her career in Hartland, NB, at Central Carleton Elementary School, later moving to Dalhousie to teach while her husband worked as an engineer. She was an avid promoter of higher education, having attended New Brunswick Teachers’ College (1966). She went on to complete her Bachelor of Education in 1974 and her Masters’ in Special Education (1993) and in Administration (1995), all from the University of New Brunswick. From Dalhousie, they moved to Fredericton, where she enjoyed teaching at several schools. Following teaching, she continued her career at the Department of Education and as a mentor teacher with St. Thomas University. She loved editing and was a stickler for punctuation.

Dorene was a lifelong believer in Christ and was always willing to help in volunteer roles, including: Sunday school teacher, CYC Director, youth leader, and choir member. She was a member of the Wesleyan Church and enjoyed fellowship at Corbett and Journey Churches. She and Bill served as leaders and hosts of a home Bible study group for Journey Church. They loved working alongside one another and were always delighted to host family and friends in their home. They were also a regular host family for the English Language Programme (ELP) for over forty years.

Throughout her life, she was an avid knitter and quilter and we are fortunate to have several pieces of her work.  She loved spending summers at the cottage attending Beulah Camp with Bill and extended family.  She dearly loved her grandchildren and enjoyed making special treats together. Nanny D’s cooking was delicious and was “made with love.” She had a love for celebrating Christmas and would begin decorating and preparing in early fall.  She is well known for her numerous Christmas trees and guests were always welcome for a “Cup of Christmas Tea.”

Visitation will take place at McAdam’s Funeral Home, 160 York St, Fredericton, NB, Friday, February 23, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 pm, and at Journey Church, 131 Duncan Lane, Fredericton, NB, on Saturday, February 24th, from 2:30-3:30 pm.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Journey Church on Saturday, February 24th at 4:00 pm with Rev. Matthew Maxwell presiding, followed by a time of fellowship. Interment will be held at a later date at the Browns Flat Baptist Church Cemetery, 1 Beulah Road, Browns Flat, NB. A live stream of the service will be available to watch for those who are not able to attend at: https://journeychurch.ca/specialevents/.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorene’s memory would be appreciated towards: Journey Church (https://journeychurch.ca/give/), Beulah Camp (https://www.beulahcamp.com/familycamp/donations/), Caton’s Island (https://www.catonsisland.com/), or the charity of the donor’s choice.