Alice Evelyn Reynolds (nee Cove)

Alice was born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, in 1937 and maintained lifelong pride in her prairie roots. She lived a life marked by compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.

She will be greatly missed by her devoted husband of 59 years, William A. Reynolds; their son Stephen (Karen); daughter Kristen (Shawn) Kinney; and six cherished grandchildren: Ben, Sarah, Laura, Adam, Matthew, and Owen. She also leaves behind her loving in-laws, Bev (Morley) Hill and Tom (Audrey) Reynolds, plus many nieces and nephews.

As the youngest member of a large family, Alice was predeceased by her parents, Thomas A. Cove and Alice E. Cove (Ainger), as well as all eight of her siblings—five brothers and three sisters.

Alice attended the University of Saskatchewan and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her subsequent exemplary nursing career spanned over 35 years. Alice distinguished herself with her pioneering contributions to healthcare at South Waterloo Memorial Hospital—now Cambridge Memorial Hospital. She was the institution’s first Nurse Clinician and, in 1970, became its first Infection Control Officer. Her commitment to excellence and innovation led her to serve as Unit Manager of the hospital’s inaugural Long Term Care Unit. Alice continued to rise through the ranks as Administrative Co-Ordinator in Nursing Service and ultimately as a Nursing Director.

Alice deeply empathized with patients throughout her career. She was particularly interested in geriatrics and chronic care. Not only did she improve patient outcomes, but her work also set new standards for compassionate care within the healthcare system.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Alice was deeply involved in civic life. She was a trailblazer by being the first female Commander with the Cambridge Power and Sail Squadron—a role that reflected both her leadership skills and love of sailing. Her commitment to empowering women was evident in her involvement with Soroptimist International. She had formerly served as President of the Cambridge Chapter and Director of the Eastern Canada Region. Soroptimist International honoured Alice with the Woman of Distinction Award in 1998.

Alice enjoyed many pursuits outside of her work and service. She loved reading and was rarely without a book in hand. Her creativity was expressed through her love of gardening, flower arranging, and sewing. Travelling, sailing, and cottage time brought her great happiness. Most of all, she loved music, and she and Bill shined brilliantly on the dance floor.

Alice Evelyn Reynolds' trailblazing spirit leaves behind an enlightened legacy defined by compassion, service, and strength. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to the staff at St. Joseph's Health Centre Guelph for their compassionate care of Alice.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life to take place on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM (noon). The service will start at 1:00 PM, immediately followed by a reception and light lunch at the same location.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph or the Alzheimer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences can be made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson-hart.com