A leader in interfaith understanding and equity in Belleville has died.
Dr. Aruna Alexander passed away peacefully surrounded by family this past Sunday, Jan. 4 at the age of 80.
Born in India in 1945, Alexander immigrated to Canada in 1967 and began her professional career in Toronto with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and later the University of Toronto. As the eldest sibling, she sponsored her four sisters’ immigration to Canada. Aruna earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, followed by a Master of Divinity from Trinity College.
Alexander was ordained in the United Church of Canada in 1989 and served full-time pastoral charges in Cardiff, Paudash, Apsley, and Rawdon–Springbrook. During this period, she conducted significant research with rural church women, leading to the completion of her Doctor of Ministry degree.
She was also a founder of the United Nations Association, Quinte Branch, where she organized Model UN programs across educational levels and coordinated welcome initiatives for international students.
Following her retirement from full-time ministry, she continued to serve congregations in Picton, Cressey–Glenora, and Bloomfield, and remained actively engaged in theological reflection with retired clergy.
Alexander was described in her obituary as a ‘strong advocate for racial justice and inclusion,’ leading community initiatives and supporting interfaith solidarity.
A memorial service will be held Feb. 21 at the Picton United Church, where memorial donations can be made to Hospice Quinte and/or Mission and Service – United Church of Canada.
