Members of Belleville council paid tribute to a champion of inclusivity at its meeting on Monday.
Dr. Aruna Alexander passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 4, according to an obituary.
“Dr Alexander’s dedication, compassion and service left a lasting impact on our community. Her passion about culture, diversity and inclusion was evident in everything that she did,” Mayor Neil Ellis said at the meeting.
“Aruna was a respected professional and had a caring presence in our community. Her contributions will not be forgotten and have paved the way for future generations.”
Mayor Ellis said that Dr. Alexander was a dear friend and always somebody he could count on.
Councillor Sean Kelly spoke about working with Dr. Alexander on many fronts, including with the equity, diversity and inclusion committee.
“She brought heart integrity and commitment to ensuring that everyone in our city felt welcomed and had a voice and an opportunity,” Councillor Kelly said.
“Her leadership was thoughtful and courageous, and she will be deeply missed.”
Kelly reminisced about an event that Dr. Alexander helped organize and the impact it had on the community.
“She brought, I believe it was nine different religious groups for the equity, diversity and inclusion committee. We met at the library, and they all shared their story and that work was educational,” Kelly said.
“(She) talked about bringing our community together. She was a true leader and that was just one of many examples.”
Dr. Alexander is survived by her husband David, four sisters, a brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled to take place at Picton United Church on February 21 at 1 p.m.
