ALGER, Edith Louise Alger - It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Edith Alger on Monday July 8th, 2024.
Predeceased by her husband William Alger (Bill), and sister Beverly Phillips.
Edith leaves behind her children, Christine Collins (Merle), Peter Alger (Debbie), Susan Alger and Patrick Alger.
Proud and loving grandmother to Michelle Collins, Matthew Collins (Lauren), Paige Collins, Michael Collins (Anna), Benjamin Hori (Hannah), Kelsey Irvine (Momme), Lindsay Irvine, great grandmother to Kristina, Keagan, Noelle, Nicholas, Braven, Arrow, Storm, Nora, and Max.
Survived by her sister Diana Ross.
There are countless individuals in Oshawa, Durham Region and beyond, whose lives have been touched by her dedicated, and passionate work as a tireless volunteer, committed Board member, community philanthropist and devoted friend.
As the youngest of three sisters, Edith started her legacy as a private nurse through Oshawa General Hospital, having studied at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. A lifelong commitment to voluntary service continued in 1960 as a volunteer with the YWCA in Oshawa.
By 1970 she was on the Board of Directors working on a number of local and national committees which culminated in her taking over as the President of the Oshawa YWCA. Edith was recognized for her years of service with the YWCA, with the Women of Distinction award. Thus began her career as a professional volunteer focused on bringing essential funding, focused leadership and compassionate care to a number of organizations. Edith has also delivered Meals on Wheels, organized blood donor clinics and served on the Board as Chair for Red Cross.
Her volunteer and Board of Directors positions have included, LHINs, now known as Home and Community Care Support Services, Information Oshawa, Feed the Need, Windreach Farm and the Windreach Farm Foundation, Durham Community Foundation, Columbus Community Church, Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Hearth Place.
Edith’s focus on education began with Durham College when she served as a member of the Board of Governors from 1987 to 1992. In the late 1990s, she also served on the Durham College President’s Advisory Committee providing insight into the creation of the partnerships between the college and the newly established University of Ontario Institute of Technology (now known as Ontario Tech University).
She has supported students at both institutions through generous gifts towards construction of the Oshawa Campus Library and the purchase of new adaptive technologies for the joint Centre for Students with Disabilities. In 2011, she also donated funds towards construction of the Centre for Food, to help turn the college’s field-to-fork vision into reality.
Along with many formal recognitions, Edith was awarded both the Queen Elizabeth II's Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. Edith forged lasting friendships through her work, her volunteerism and her many interests. Those who came to know Edith, respected her intelligence, dedication and kindness. She had a gift to make every interaction a meaningful one, putting everyone at ease with her generous spirit.
Like her husband William Alger, they dedicated their lives to family, friends and the community in which they lived and raised their family.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the exceptional staff at Harmony Hills Retirement Community, and to Debbie Armstrong and the wonderful team at Armstrong Funeral Home.
Donations in memory of Edith to any of the following charities would be greatly appreciated by our family.
Kidney Cancer Canada https://www.kidneycancercanada.ca/support-us/
Durham Community Foundation https://durhamcommunityfoundation.ca/
Columbus Community Church https://columbusunitedchurch.ca/giving/
or Autism Home Base https://autismhomebase.com/donate/
As per Edith’s wishes we will be hosting a Celebration of Life in the coming weeks.
Please visitARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME for event details or call 905-433-4711 for further information.
For online condolences please visit www.armstrongfh.ca
Tis only we who grieve
They do not leave, they are not gone
They look upon us still
