OBITUARY
Janet McDonald Alexander
March 16, 1938 – January 12, 2021
JANET MCDONALD ALEXANDER
Janet McDonald Alexander passed away peacefully on January 12, 2021 at Hospice Halifax with her daughters at her side. She was 82. Janet was predeceased by her parents, Lt. Col. Joseph Laurence Black ED, LLD, and Gwendolyn McDonald Black LLD, OC, her brother Frank Black, and her husband Richard William Alexander. Janet will be greatly missed by her daughters Laurie Alexander (James Campbell), Lucy Alexander (Gilberto Gangarossa), brothers Laurence Black (Janice), John Black (Donna), grandchildren William and Catherine Campbell, nieces and nephews. Janet grew up in Sackville, New Brunswick, and worked at her father’s general store as a teen. Janet graduated from McMaster University (BA, 1959) and Dalhousie University (BEd, 1967). She began her career as a high school math teacher, followed by several years at the Canada Revenue Agency. Janet made many life-long friends and left a lasting impression on those she met. Her quick wit, genuine interest in people, and sharp intellect will be greatly missed. Janet took boundless pride in her daughters and her beloved grandchildren, William and Cate. Janet loved to spend time with them and always looked forward to being with her family at the cottage in Murray Corner. She had life-long friends along the shore and the local lobster season was at the heart of many summer celebrations. When the first meeting of what would become the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia was held in 1982, the organizers expected perhaps 25 people. Fifty attended. Janet was key member of a small team of dedicated medical professionals and caregivers that established the first Nova Scotia chapter of the Alzheimer Society. They worked hard to bring awareness, information and resources to the Nova Scotia community touched by this devastating disease. Janet served as President of the society and contributed to several committees and task forces. Janet loved the arts and was dedicated to supporting, and enjoying, the creative community. She was a champion of the symphony and classical performances, and was a long-time volunteer with Women for Music. The Women for Music Society encourages and supports classical music. Their popular book sales and book depot are an important fund-raiser for Symphony Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra. Janet loved visual arts and art history, and served a docent at the Nova Scotia Art Gallery. She read voraciously and studied languages (French and Italian). An adventurous traveler, Janet was able to experience many of her national and international bucket list trips taking in incredible performances, galleries, and cultures. The family would like to extend deep gratitude to the Hospice Halifax team for their care and compassion. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Janet McDonald Alexander
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ADD A MEMORYDiane (Bethune) Palmeter
January 17, 2021
Laurie and Lucy, I want to tell you how sorry I am to read of your mother’s death. I first met her at Camp Arcadie in 1950 and enjoyed so many fun times during our years together at that wonderful camp. My memories of her were of her athletic abilities, no matter which sport she played. Of course, my biggest memory is when she and fellow camper, Sue Marquis took a camp row boat and rowed across St. Mary’s Bay to Camp Aldercliff (5 miles), where her brother Larry and cousin Derek were campers. Needless to say the boat came home on a truck and there was a little displeasure from the camp director. But...they were not sent home! I have bumped into her only a few times since then and think it was probably at the Symphony both times. Her smile never changed. We had talked about getting together but never did for which I am sorry. I am sure she was a wonderful mother and you will miss her dearly. My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to you both and to your families. Sincerely, Diane Palmeter
Jane Trites
January 15, 2021
Lucy and Laurie,
I am so sorry to hear that Janet has passed away. I did not know her well but any time we got together I enjoyed it. My condolences to you and your families.
Jane
Shawna Burgess
January 15, 2021
Dear Laurie and Lucy.
I loved the way your mom would say something, look at you in the eye and then raise her eyebrows. She would challenge me think about what I just said. To question my statements to see if they were really true for me. I never felt judged if we disagreed.
I enjoyed her quick wit and the sound of her chuckle. She appreciated a good story and would have one of her own. She lived a full life of travel, adventure and learning. She raised strong independent women and passed along those admirable traits.
She will be missed by many but mostly by you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you both a big hug,
Shawna
Maria Mancini-Fulmer
January 15, 2021
Janet and I were members of the Board of the Alzheimers Society of NS at the same time. She was a delightful person and always appeared to dedicate herself completely to whatever she was involved in and to her family.
My condolences to her family. She was a lovely Lady.
Maria Mancini-Fulmer
Shari-Lynn Hiltz
January 15, 2021
Laurie, Lucy, & families,
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. Hoping you find peace in the many memories you have, and inspiration through the legacies she created throughout her life .
Paul McNair
January 15, 2021
Janet was an exceptional person. Working with her when she was President of the Alzheimer Society, and I, its first Executive Director, was rewarding and always fun. Janet's commitment, knowledge and friendship make those years very memorable.
My thoughts are with you.
Romina Villarosa
January 14, 2021
We met Janet in Rome, when she visited us for Christmas. We enjoyed walking through the ancient ruins and beautiful squares and churches, always discussing on differences between cultures and the beauty in art. I will always remember her wit and her deep curiosity about world and life. We’ll be keeping her in our thoughts and prayers.
Love from all of us
Peggy McNair
January 14, 2021
To Janet's Family
Remembering Janet for her dedication to the Alzheimers Society of Nova Scotia for so many years. It was an honor to have shared so many memories of these times as a volunteer with Janet. I wish always cherish her friendship.
Sincere Sympathy
Peggy McNair
Janet Brush
January 14, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Janet's death. She was my first supervisor when I went to work at CRA, and later she convinced me to volunteer for the Alzheimer Society. But most of our conversations were on two subjects - our daughters and English Literature. I'm glad she had grandchildren and was able to spend time with them. And I think she might be pleased to know I returned to school at 65 to get a BA in English. I'm sorry we lost track of each other. She was a wonderful person.
Judy MacIsaac
January 14, 2021
Dear Laurie and Lucy,
Thinking of you and your family. May the happy memories help you . My thoughts and prayers are with you. 🙏
Bill Kydd
January 14, 2021
I was fortunate to meet and work with Janet at the Alzheimer Society. One of my favourite people.
Margaret Swift
January 14, 2021
So very sad to hear of Janet's passing. I knew her as a volunteer with Women for Music. Besides being on the executive for many years, Janet was a volunteer in our book depot and at the book sales. She always had a smile and a cheerful word to say to everyone and she will be missed. She loved music and the last meeting she attended was a socially-distanced meeting in Saint George's Round Church where she was delighted to hear some wonderful organ music. She was a caring friend and a dedicated volunteer who will be remembered with love.
Sincere condolences to all her family and close friends
Margaret Swift
Michal Crowe
January 14, 2021
Janet was such a great part of Women for Music, especially The Book Depot. It was always a pleasure to share time with her every Monday afternoon for 15 years, discussing our lives and recommending a good book to each other as we dusted and sorted. It will not be the same without her at all. Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends from Michal and Vance Crowe.
Please let us know when the memorial service will take place as we would like to attend.
Bruce Wilson
January 14, 2021
Laurie & Lucy,
My deepest sympathies on your loss. As I sit here thinking of what to say my mind wanders back to all the Summers in Murray Corner. I can hear your Mom's voice,and wit, and see that smile that conveyed so much. She was a great friend to my Mother and Father,both in Murray Corner and Halifax. Again my condolences, and take comfort in many happy memories. God Bless
Bessie May (Ripley) Dunick
January 14, 2021
Janet and I graduated from Sackville High School in Sackville NB together in 1955. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gary & Suzanne Gaskin
January 14, 2021
Laurie & Lucy,
We wanted to express our condolences to your families on Janet's death. We enjoyed visiting with our next door cottage neighbour each summer, and remember how excited she was about the completion of the "new" cottage. She was an interesting and always gracious person. When each of our sons were born (mid-eighties), Janet and Gwen would arrive at our cottage door each of those summers with a charming and eclectic gift for the baby. We enjoyed catching up with her each cottage season. She will be remembered and missed.
Kathy and Albert DeWitt
January 14, 2021
We are thinking about your family!
Over the years at the cottage while visiting and then when Albert’s parents passed, Janet would give a wave while passing through.
One memory stands out when she took me to the original cottage at the end of the summer to walk through it before construction was about to begin. This is my last summer she said with the comfort of feeling her Mum’s presence in the old cottage. She shared it was now time for it to go and be replaced by a new building where her girls set the design and decided how they want it. It would now be time for another generation to enjoy it. She was paving the way then for you to keep her memories in that special place! Most of all in your hearts!
We too understand the sadness when our parents move away from our daily lives. May your memories of your time together wrap around you warmly in the days ahead and give you much needed comfort.
We hope to see you at Murray Beach this summer - a wave and the comfort of the lights on next door in our short summer season at the shore. As I explained that day to Janet at your cottage - we were always guests and now we have to learn how to be next generation owners.
A remark Janet made to me - nice to see your lights appear then I know you have returned!
Ann Murdoch
January 14, 2021
Janet I feel lucky you were in my life especially within the “coven” of which you were a cherished member. Grateful for our conversation of this past August. Will always fondly recall our wonderful time together in Murray River. You were the perfect host. I am feeling your loss. Rest In Peace dear Janet. Condolences to your entire family.
Love
Ann Murdoch ❤️
Brenda Trafford
January 14, 2021
Dear Laurie & Lucy,
I too am heartbroken. Every morning I post pictures of my Murray Corner view on Facebook, always with your cottage. Long before we lived here your place was special to us.
Early morning, the day he died, July 28, 2013, your mother left her cottage, walked along the beach, up our deck steps to say goodbye to her beloved friend, Tom. I will never forget ...
Rosalind Penfound
January 14, 2021
Laurie and family, please accept my sincere sympathies