The Quinte Region is mourning the loss of one our most important ambassadors of tolerance, diversity, and interfaith understanding.
Dr. Aruna Alexander passed away peacefully last weekend at the age of 80.
She did more to promote inclusivity and ease the transition for people of other backgrounds, faiths and ethnicities who came to live and study in the region than any other person, elected or otherwise.
Born in India in 1945, Alexander immigrated to Canada in 1967.
She earned a Doctorate of Divinity, was ordained in the United Church of Canada in 1989, and later helped start the United Nations Association, Quinte Branch, Model UN events and welcome programs for international students.
I met Dr. Alexander many times over the years and was always impressed by her soft-spoken but inspirational approach to building a stronger and more diverse community.
This area was not always as warm or accepting of other faiths and ethnicities, but Alexander helped change that one quiet conversation and one moving speech at a time, always trying to help people understand and not judge. Our lives have been greatly enriched by her efforts.
A memorial service will be held Feb. 21 at Picton United Church. It will be very well attended. The Quinte Region’s strength of diversity is built on the foundation of Dr. Alexander’s eloquence, perseverance, and vision for a better tomorrow.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
