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Adda Alexander Obituary
Adda Marie Thieben Alexander passed away at age 62 on Monday, January 17, 2011 surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Adda was born on January 19, 1948 in Kewanee, Illinois. Adda attended Wyoming High School in Wyoming, Ill., where she met and later married her high school sweetheart, Larry, with whom she was married for 43 years. Larry and Adda built a life together that included two sons, Neil and Dean, their wives Martina and Sarah, seven grandchildren and wonderful memories filled with much love and laughter. Adda attended Methodist School of Nursing in Peoria, Illinois & subsequently earned her BA & later her MBA. She enjoyed a career in the healthcare arena starting out as a staff nurse and later as a nurse executive. As a Chief Nursing Officer, Adda worked at many hospitals but locally at Phoenix Baptist Hospital and Maricopa Medical Center. She later worked for the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association as the Executive Vice President, a job she was very proud of. In 2008, Adda was named the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year for her commitment to patient safety and building the nursing workforce. Adda was a confidant to many of her colleagues and a mentor to many of her friends and employees along the way, always imparting her passion for life-long learning. Adda was loved and will be missed by many, including her husband Larry, sons Neil (Martina), Dean (Sarah), grandchildren Joshua, Jacob and Hunter from Scottsdale, Arizona and Joshua, Kaleb, Charles and Hannah from Surprise, Arizona. She is also survived by her sister Margee Tornou, brothers Bernard Thieben, Jr., and Robert Thieben, brother-in-law Terry (Jan) Alexander, dear family friend Dave (Linda) Poppen and many great nieces and nephews. Adda was pre-deceased by her mother Margaretta Mosher, her father Bernard Thieben, nephews Jerry Tornou and Ricky Thieben. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in honor of Adda Alexander on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 2:00 at the Valley Garden Center located at 1809 North 15th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. If questions email [email protected]. Interment will be at a later date back in her home town of Wyoming, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Adda's name to Hospice of the Valley at 1510 E. Flower Street 85014-5656 or www.hospiceofthevalley.org.
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Memories and Condolences
for Adda Alexander
Caroline Lathrop
January 16, 2022
Adds was a strong woman with a clear vision for nursing and patient care. She stimulated others to grow and offered many learning opportunities.
I enjoyed my time working on patient safety and miss her.
Wishing her family peace.
Teresa Mooney
May 16, 2011
Adda,
Your beautiful legacy lives on in our hearts now, with fond memories of "fun-filled" and carefree days surrounded by family, friends, and in sharing of life together...Mexico beachhouse, Easter, Thanksgivings in your home and our special shared love for all your boys and daughter in law...Martina.
With Much Appreciation for the inspirational life you lived!!
Dave & Teresa Mooney
Katelyn & Natalie
Kate Geisler-Rhodes
January 31, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to the family and close friends of Adda. I worked with added briefly at MIHS before she accepted her position at AHA but was so impressed with her professionalism and compassion. Over the years I followed her career and our paths would cross. She exemplified all the qualities nursing holds dear...She will be greatly missed but her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and her her family.
Maureen Dicker
January 30, 2011
Adda was special in so many ways. She was a professional mentor to many. She was amazing in her ability to inspire others. At her celebration of life ceremony I realized she had done the same in her family. What a wonderful gift to have been part of her life. Adda's spirit will live on in the lives she touched.
Barbara Ramaker
January 28, 2011
Adda and I became friends when we worked together at Southwest Washington Medical Center. She was a role model as a health professional and a kind and thoughtful friend. I'll miss her. She will always remain in my heart and in my memory.
Veronica Knudson
January 27, 2011
I have known Adda for over 20 years. She started as my mentor and boss and evolved into a wonderful friend. She was the big sister God did not give me. When I doubted, she encouraged. When I achieved, she celebrated. She modeled how to be an exceptional professional and demanded life balance. Family was so very important to her and the love that she and Larry shared with each other, Neil, Dean and their growing families was apparent to anyone who knows her. I will miss you dear friend, but you will never be far from my heart.
Marjorie Gold
January 26, 2011
Adda was my friend and work colleague for many years. I will miss her emails and her friendship. She had great courage and faced all life had to give her with a strong heart and grace. I will miss her.
Ken Bourdo
January 26, 2011
Adda,
I will miss you. You were a very special person in so many ways.
God bless you
Ingrid Dixon
January 25, 2011
Adda and I met professionally through the Oregon Organization of Nurse Executives, and grew to be friends. I have great respect for Adda, her quick wit, intelligence, creativity, and integrity. I was genuinely surprised that she also felt that way about me. When I was struggling, this buoyed me up. There is so much that one could say. Others have said so much about which I concur. May all of us, family & friends find solace in remembering the times we shared with Adda. I will miss her.
Carolyn Warner
January 25, 2011
Adda Alexander was one of those rare individuals who left this world a better place because of her presence. She cared deeply about what she did, and her life and work greatly contributed to the well-being of countless others.
She was a friend and a valued colleague, and we will truly miss her.
Our deepest sympathy to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.
Carolyn Warner, President
David J. Bolger, C.O.O.
Corporate//Education Consulting, Inc.
Dorothy Rowan
January 24, 2011
I knew Adda for twenty plus years. We met when she came to Vancouver. Not only was she my boss and mentor but a very good friend. Our personal friendship developed when we discovered that we shared the same birth date. I have wonderful memories of the crazy things we did to celebrate our birthday(s). Adda was a very goal oriented, strong and determined woman. Professionally she never forgot her nursing background and concern for top quality patient care. She often talked about Larry, her sons, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren and her love for each and every one of them. Her courage and strength throughout her entire illness is something I will never forget. I will miss you my friend.
Pat Harris
January 24, 2011
Adda was a wonderful, joyful colleague. She was always seeking to see things differently and positively. I loved working with her and was so touched that she called me friend. I will be traveling the day of her memorial celebration and am so sorry I cannot be there.
Avein Saaty-Tafoya
January 24, 2011
Adda became a dear friend and mentor when she accepted the role of CEO of the AZ Association of Community Health Centers where I serve on the Board. I learned so much from her honesty and determination to always do the right thing even when it was unpopular. She was the embodiment of servant leader and encouraged me to do the same in my career. Even during her treatments, she was thinking of others. She knitted the most beautiful baby blankets for my son. They are lovingly dragged around the house but remain intact and soft with each washing. I think of her enduring chemo yet completing every loop perfectly. They will be an heirloom to save for my grandchildren as well. Adda and I laughed about our boys developmental stages and our lucky break with our wonderful husbands. She lovingly recalled her "dates" with her grandson and her approach to being a generous and respectful mother-in-law. I only hope I can be as committed, thoughtful, and selfless. She was hip in her skinny jeans and traditional in her values of family and service. My thoughts and prayers to her family she loved so dearly and all her friends and colleagues who miss her like I do.
January 24, 2011
Every encounter I had had the pleasure of having with Adda was memorable. She had a special way of making those around her feel important and valuable. She is one of the most intelligent and kind individuals I've ever met. She will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with her entire family.
Warm regards,
Greta Suda
Caroline Lathrop
January 24, 2011
Adda gave so much joy to all she touched and there were so many. She had vision, passion,integrity and wanted to make the world a better place. Her spirit was strong and she was so creative. I used to tell her how beautiful she was, always full of life and color (great color coordination that offset her natural beauty). She had physical beauty but much more than that, she had spiritual beauty, her smile, her energy and her being. I will miss her and I know she would want us to continue to make the world a better place.
All the best to her family.
Sincerly,
Caroline
Larry Gubbels
January 24, 2011
Adda from Nevada! That is how she first introduced herself to me way back when at PBH. I will never forget that smile and that attitude. I've worked with a number of CNO's over the years, but Adda was the very BEST! I will miss her and remember her fondly. Larry Gubbels
January 24, 2011
What a wonderful person Adda was. She was also there to help with whatever needed to get done. She was a take charge lady that did it with grace, professionalism, and a great attitude. I had the privilege of working with her over the years on a variety of committees, task forces, and boards. She made it all worth while because we always knew we could count on each other. And the best part was, we had fun doing it. I also knew she dearly loved her husband and family above all. We were all lucky to have known this fine woman.
Fondly, Debbie Nixon
Kathy Bower
January 23, 2011
Adda was an amazing colleague and friend. I so admired the many, many skills that she brought to every organization with which she worked... she ALWAYS put patients/families first and worked hard to create great opportunities for those with whom she worked. I learned much from Adda. Healthcare and humankind has lost a fantastic person... but we are all better for having known her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family... they were so very important to her. Kathy
Carol Messersmith
January 23, 2011
To my Capricorn "sister" and supportive friend...words can't describe your loving and throughtful contribution to my life and others with whom you worked and played through the years. When I came to Vancouver, WA to work with you, we connected on so many levels. Throughout your battle with our ugly disease, you showed me the way to fight and to accept our ultimate journey to join the God we both embrace. Rest easy, dear friend. I will join you in heaven when God sends for me...my love and hugs to Larry and your sons/families. I know they meant the world to you and that you'll be their angel as you were here on earth. I love you...carol messersmith
Sarah Alexander
January 23, 2011
I knew Adda for 7 1/2 years. Within that time she became a mentor to me and I have accomplished things that I never thought I would. When I married her son, Dean 5 1/2 years ago her and Larry welcomed my children and I with open arms. She is a woman of great accomplishments, but never bragged. She was always concerned about how others were doing and what was going on in their lives. She was the mother I never had and will forever be in my heart.
January 23, 2011
Meeting Adda was the one of the greatest days of my life. She saw in me something special and gave me the opportunity to advance in my career. She is my mentor and my friend. What I have learned from her, not only as her direct report but also beyond, will be imprinted in my soul throughout my life.
Adda also introduced me to my husband; so she has not only touched my professional life but my personal life. I will be eternally grateful for all she has given me. I love you - Donna Mullis O'Connor
Bruce Bethancourt
January 23, 2011
Over the years, I have served on many committees with Adda. Most recently we co-chaired a patient safety committee. Adda was always professional, listen and spoke with respect for others, was thoughtful, humorous, uplifting and disciplined. Her absence will create a large void in our community but she left us better off for having known her. We will all miss you dear friend. Bruce Bethancourt
January 22, 2011
I admire your strong opposition to the illness you have struggledd to fight.--You have always been one of the most adored people in my life-may your memory last in others minds as it does in mine- Denise DeWolfe Schaffer
Sheri Copple
January 22, 2011
From early childhood memories of her teaching me how to twirl a baton to the last time I got to see her in September, Aunt Adda has always been such an inspiration to me. Sending my love to Uncle Larry, Neil & Dean.....
Kathy DaSilva
January 22, 2011
Adda was my boss for three years at the association. She was instrumental in changing me personally and professionally for the better! Her smiles and laughter were treasures to me! Adda you will be missed!
Janne Taubman
January 22, 2011
Thank you, dear friend, for the many gifts you gave me. What a great example you are as to how to live your life and how to transition to the next plane with grace and selflessness.
Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjyoed together. Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the hosuehold word that it always was, let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was: there is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.
(Harry Scott Holland 1847 - 1915)
Laurel Richmond
January 22, 2011
I had the opportunity to work for Adda many years ago in San Diego. She was not only my boss but my friend. She was kind and generous and I am a better person for having known her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Anne McNamara
January 22, 2011
Adda, I will miss your laugh, smile and your commitment to the profession of nursing. Thank you for all your years of service. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I made a donation in your name to the AZ Nurses Foundation to support nursing scholarships.
You will be missed!
Dan Coleman
January 22, 2011
I met Adda in her leadership role at the hosital association. What a gifted leader she was. A great example of how to lead with thoughtful persuasion. Her loss at such a young age is sad, but she set an example for us all in how she made this transition. My love to her family
Joey Ridenour
January 21, 2011
Adda was an exceptional health care leader with integrity beyond reproach. Her voice of reason will be missed in the healthcare community when difficult issues are examined. Will miss her deeply and our prayers and thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.
Joey Ridenour and the Arizona State Board of Nursing Board Members/Staff
Bido Baines
January 21, 2011
My wonderful dearest Adda will be so missed. She gave me an opportunity 25 years ago that lead to the perfect job for me. I loved and respected her. My thoughts are prayers go out to her wonderful husband and sons.
Bido Baines, Los Gatos, CA
Donna Young
January 21, 2011
Life is not about how you survived the storms but rather how you danced in the rain. Rest in peace Adda. Your dancing was beautiful.
Rhonda Anderson
January 21, 2011
Adda was a special friend and will always be in my heart. Her gentle soul and wonderful smile would light up the room when she was present. She was wise, thoughtful, kind and resourceful. All of us learned from her and she shared her wisdom selflessly.
She loved her husband and family and glowed when she spoke of them.
She will be missed but her heart is with all of us and our prayers are with her family and Larry. We thank them for sharing her with us. She made a BIG difference in healthcare and in everyones lives.
Adda we love you.
Barb Averyt
January 21, 2011
Words just can't express what my heart feels. She was a wonderful friend - giving me so many wonderful memories of laughter, lessons learned, and love. I am a better person having known her. As we said to each other towards the end, "friends by birth, sisters by choice."
Troy Garland
January 21, 2011
Words just can't express how sad this is. Adda's leadership and kindness reached accross ariona and probably further. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers to her family who I am sure know how special she was to the Healthcare world in Arizona.
Kyle Dooley Kinder
January 21, 2011
I had the opportunity to work with Adda at the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association. I always admired her leadership as both a clinician and a healthcare advocate. Arizona and the healthcare industry have suffered the loss of a wonderful leader but we can feel grateful for all that we learned from her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.
Carrie Hinkle
January 21, 2011
Adda was such an amazing woman and will be missed more than words can express. She and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 21, 2011
Adda reached across the health care community through her Nursing, her leadership and compassion. She will be sorely missed. To her family, thank you for sharing her with us. May God bless you in your healing. Betty Falter, RN, Tucson, Az.
Jerry and Peggy Matthes
January 21, 2011
Our sincere condolences to Larry and all the family for the loss of your precious Adda. May you always cherish fond memories that you shared together.
God bless all of you with His healing love.
Gina Hillis
January 21, 2011
I will miss Adda so much. Her friendship, wisdom and humor were gifts I will always cherish. What a beautiful woman, who will always remain in my heart.
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