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Gloreen Hope Alexander

Gloreen Alexander Obituary

Alexander, Gloreen Hope (McNabb)
56, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on 12/30/10. Gloreen will be remembered for her love of baking, music, & hospitality but most of all she will be remembered for her love for others. Gloreen is survived by her parents, Edward & Violet McNabb; her two brothers, Ed & Greg McNabb; and her 4 children, Marie, Zach, Amy, & Echen. She is predeceased by her sister, Grenda. Services will be held at Phoenix First Assembly on Saturday, January 1, 2011. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to the Sherman Home with Hospice of the Valley @ 5801 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Gloreen Alexander

22 Entries

Gloreen at Elizabeth Park, Hartford, CT June 2004

Kim Cashman

January 31, 2011

Dear Heather, Amy, Zach, and Josh,
Your mom was such a blessing to me and my family. I can remember as a kid when Aunt Gloreen, Aunt Grenda, and Aunt Judi would visit us in New Mexico...my brother and I loved it when they came! Then when you were born, Heather, I remember flying out to Phoenix by myself to visit your family. Years later, Lyle and I visited your family in Virginia and Maine and your mom came here to Connecticut on several occasions (sometimes with Amy and Bella) to visit us. She always loved my kids, Joel and Timothy, and did fun projects with them like making rain sticks and baking pretzels. We've kept a photo of your mom to remember to pray regularly for her over the past 5 or so years during some of her most difficult times. I know how you miss your mom as I do mine, but rejoice that they are together along with Grenda in the presence of the Lord. I loved your mom and will miss her greatly but look forward with assurance to seeing her someday in Heaven. Our prayers are with you as your grieve the loss of your wonderful mom. Psalm 16:11 says "...in Thy presence is fullness of joy..." Your mom is at peace, rest, and full of joy in God's presence...take comfort in this in the midst of your sorrow. We're praying for all of you. With deepest sympathy...your cousin, Kim (and Lyle, Joel, and Timothy)

Karen McNabb

January 31, 2011

Marie, Amy, Zach & Josh,
May the Lord comfort all of you, your mom is in heaven, she will always live in your hearts and in mine. I was blessed to spend time with her. I admired her courageous attitude, her wonderful culinary art skills (it was so natural for her to be creative in the kitchen). She sacrificed her time for her father and her mother to be with them in Phoenix, to assist them in their senior years. What a blessing she was to the both of them and to all of us who knew her. She graced my life, I miss her very much. Thank you for being with her in the hospital and the Hospice home as she went to heaven to be with the Lord. Gloreen was my sister-in-law; however she became my sister in my heart because of the time we have spent together (the fun we had with Aunt Jan and Aunt Louise). And those quiet moments with her in the hospital I will treasure always, and I know I will see her again in heaven!! Karen E. McNabb

G Edward McNabb

January 30, 2011

Dear Marie, Amy, Zach and Josh,
We were so proud of you four and how you honored Gloreen, your mother, the last two weeks of her life. You spent most all of your time at John C Lincoln Hospital, Paradise Valley Rehab, and the Mayo Clinic Sherman Hospice Home. I know you were all exhausted. Dad thought you were angels! Thank you for lending Gloreen
to Mom and Dad over the past two years as she was a huge blessing and comfort to them. So many events happened when she was with them like the time she was working with the Census Bureau and she came home after midnight and set off, unknown to her, a brand new alarm system Dad had installed but hadn't told her! Or the time she heard Dad, at 3am, come shuffling down the hallway shaved, dressed in suit and tie, ready for Sunday School. Gloreen said "where are you going? Look out the window, it is dark"! Dad said he had read the alarm clock wrong. Gloreen's culinary arts skills were second to none. She taught Dad to eat cheese quesedillas and guacamole. And she loved our Albuquerque Powdrell's BBQ Sauce. Gloreen would send me emails every other day updating us on Mom's affairs at Paradise Valley Loving Care Home, Dad's daily activities in the home, and her personal physical challenges. I don't know how she did it all. She was amazing to me...with all her adversary, she never gave up. Oh, one more gem. One morning, Gloreen rounded the corner & into the kitchen when she
saw Dad sitting at the kitchen table with the largest butcher knife he had ( as you remember, Dad was a meat
cutter for over 20 years and very familiar with dangerous
knives). "Dad, what are you doing?" "Oh, I'm just cutting this pill in two"! Dad was to use his pill splitter, on occasions, for his sleeping pills but forgot. I will really miss Gloreen. She meant alot to me over the past two plus years. I have two of her personal culinary arts books she put together, I will treasure them always. And many photos. I loved her dearly ...she was my last sister. Thank you, Gloreen, for all the memories! You are healed at last!
Graham Edward McNabb, Brother

January 28, 2011

My dear cousin,
I am so blessed to have such fond memories of time spent with you when Greg and I celebrated our big "60" in Phoenix, remembering all the yummy desserts you prepared and the effort you put into our party. Your love of family, your humor, your braveness in adversity will always impact each and every life you touched. I'll miss you in this life, of course, but know I'll being seeing you soon!!
Love you Gloreen,
Joy Lais

Greg McNabb

January 27, 2011

Dearest Sis,
Like I whispered in your ear near the end, I love you & will miss you so. Thank you for being such a great sister to me. I'll always treasure those insightful talks we had about relationships,memories of yesteryear,families,food & health...cleverly entertwining alittle humor here & there.
I appreciated your thoughtful,patient,non-judgemental approach when listening to me. You had a caring,giving heart;despite going thru difficult times yourself.
But maybe your hallmark trait,as I see it,was exemplified in your determination to survive in the face of multiple adversities.Many who knew you were influenced for the better as a result of your example.
We love & appreciate the beautiful family that you raised. May they savor rich memories of your love in their lives.
Remember the wonderful times you & Grenda had living together in Colorado? Well,now you get an encore,this time beautifully packaged in healthy new bodies. Enjoy !
Love, Greg

January 26, 2011

To the Alexander children,
your mother was a light in our community of Patten. We missed her when you moved and we miss her now. Praying God will wrap His loving arms around all of you and bring you peace and comfort. Terry Pettengill

Chris Loucka

January 23, 2011

Dear Amy, Heather, Zack & Josh,
I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I remember all the dinner's we used to have after church on Saturday, she was such a gracious hostess. There were so many of us but she always made room for one more. I know she is in a better place, but pray your memories will get you through this sad time of missing her. Hang tight to the hem of His garment and He will carry you through healing your pain and turning your mourning into joy. Blessings, Chris Loucka

Edward McNabb

January 22, 2011

My Dear Gloreen, My heart always hurts when I think of you, and living with me the past few years, I will always treasure. You always made so many wonderful things to eat. You not only left you foot prints in the sands of time but you left your fingerprints of love on many. I'll never forget on Saturday mornings when you said "Daddy, I'm going down the street to some yard sales." I remember you always liked pretty things, clothing included. I enjoyed also the pretty dishes you bought at Frys Market Place, And I remember so well the tasty dishes and excellent food you often fixed when you went to the singles club. You did so well. I often think of you every night. I pray that the lord is enfolding his love around you. I remember when you past away, I dreaded telling your Mom. She cried for two minutes and threw up her hands in suprise. I no that heaven is richer since you arrived. Surely the Lord will reward you for the labor you gave to the young people on San Blas Islands in South America, when the young people went there and built a Church. I shall never forget your love for me. May the lord keep you in his love. Daddy

Steve Markobrad

January 17, 2011

Dear Alexander children,

My condolences to you at the passing of your dear mom. Words will not be able to soothe the sorrow you are feeling right now. I trust that the words of the Psalmist will be with you; "God is near to the brokenhearted."

Steve Markobrad

Jan Markobrad

January 17, 2011

Dear Gloreen,
I miss you so much, and remember the times you came over for a chat and a bite to eat. I'll always remember whenever youd come over, you always brought some goodies or some interesting article or movie etc. You were always a giving person, which was appreciated so much. Thank you for caring for your two aunties and introducing us to the doctors and nurses, that was very sweet of you. I was so sorry that you had to go through all your physical problems and especially the last two months. I think you got more love and attention in those two months than youve had for a long time. We all did care and love you very much. Sometimes I feel I could have done more, but I hope you understand. Gloreen, I know its hard for those left behind but we all know you are completely whole and well with the lord and you must have had a great reunion with Grenda and all the rest of the family. We will all make sure that as long as we can we'll take care of your mom and dad, and I know there are no worries in heaven. Your kids were wonderful to you and I know you were very proud of them, they loved you so very much and were so good to you while you were in the hospital. I guess I've said enough for now, so untill we meet again. God bless you and say hi to all our loved ones in heaven.
Love and miss you, auntie Jan

Judi Davis

January 17, 2011

dear gloreen: I was so happily surprised that you looked at me and said,"oooooh,hi." I cried and cried - but now I know you are with Jesus. I'll miss you lots and lots. See you soon.

All my love.....your cuz' Judi xoxo

January 7, 2011

Dear Alexander "kids,"

I was so shocked today to hear (from Katina) that your mom had passed on. You might not remember me, but my dad, David Massimi, was your pastor when you lived in Ohio, and you all were the first children I ever babysat. Those are sweet memories for me, even though our families didn't stay in touch. I was delighted to reconnect with your mom last year via Facebook, and I am so sad for all of you. I pray that God's grace will sustain you through this time of grief.

Love, Angela Arbogast

Katina Hughes

January 7, 2011

Dear Alexander Children,
We were sad to hear the news that your sweet mother has passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, may you feel the peace and comfort that only our Heavenly Father can bring you during this time. Blessings to you and our deepest condolences.

Scott and Katina Hughes

Amy Seltzer

January 4, 2011

Dear Marie, Zach, Amy and Zoe- I will be sending my positive energy your way. Take care of each other and be gentle with yourselves!
Amy Seltzer

Tina Lemmon

January 3, 2011

Amy and Marie,
I was so glad when you came out to be with your Mom in her last day's with us. She was so happy to have you with her, and all the love and care you gave her, made her situation much easier to handle. She loved all four of her kid's so so much and was proud of each of you. She talked of you all very often, and also of her Grand Daughter Bella. I am sorry that your hearts are hurting. Your Mom had a kind heart and will be missed by many. My heart is sad.
Love, your Cousin Tina Lemmon

I love you Gloreen!

Marleen McNabb-Dostalek

January 3, 2011

Dear Amy, Marie, Zach and Josh,

Gloreen was my sister-in-law, but it felt like we were more just sisters this last decade. We always said that we wished we lived closer to each other. We dreamed of opening a Bed and Breakfast together, with her being the chef. Joe, my husband, would be the maintenance man and I would do the marketing. Ah, dreaming is good.

Gloreen was very brave through all of her struggles, pain and hurts. We cried with each other, but mostly we laughed. I know the pain of divorce. I appreciated the fact that she spoke well of your father even though she didn't understand the whys of it all. I also always admired her sense of humor. She was able to remember the best jokes and either e-mail them to me or tell them to me on the phone. Her joy came mostly from her faith in Jesus, but also from you and your siblings....and of course Bella. I know you all know that she loved you deeply. She used to love telling funny and cute stories about you when you were little and then she carried it on with Bella. She was a wonderdul mother, grandmother, sister and friend and she will be sorely missed. I have to tell you though, that I can see her smiling at the wonders of heaven and of being reunited with her sister, Grenda. That brings me comfort along with the hope of seeing her again.
Our love and prayers are with you all.
Aunt Marleen McNabb Dostalek

Chuck Vallor

January 3, 2011

Amy and Kevin, Dolly and I and our entire family have been and will continue to pray for you and your Family. We know how much you love your Mother and believe me that will only become a stronger bond for you in years to come much like the bound you and Kevin have found. They say time heals ALL and it does lighten the strain of your loss, but your memories will last forever, so never forget. A priest friend told us at Dollys Dads viewing That at this time of the year it is very difficult losing a Loved one but remember this is your Mothers FIRST Christmas and New Year with GOD. I truly hope these words comfort you and know we are here for you. God Bless Love Chuck, Dolly and the family

Eve Rice

January 3, 2011

Dear Amy and family, we knew your Mom ever so briefly but she was so clever in many ways. She was very caring of all her children and proud of each of you. I remember her and enjoyed her playing the piano at our church on occasion and opening up her home for meetings of the Patten Woman's Club, of which she was a member. She was an asset to whatever she belonged to, and she will be surely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, her family. God bless you all. Much love, Eve and David Rice, and Joshua

January 1, 2011

Dear Amy and family,
For the brief time we knew your mother, she left a very positive impression with us. she was a very wonderful, caring person and loved her family very much. she was so proud of all of you. We send our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Love, Tony and Marianne Giarnella

Wil Dizon

January 1, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss you dearly Gloreen.Your generosity,thoughtfulness,witty sense of humor,and presence will be missed.
With deepest condolences,the Dizon family.

Amy Alexander

January 1, 2011

Dear Mom,

I love you so much...I will miss you everday for the rest of my life. I am so glad to have had you for a mother. You have taught me so many wonderful things and I promise I will do my best to remember you through those activities. There will be more cookies baked in your honor - I promise...

I hope you are in peace now.

All my love,

January 1, 2011

God Bless You Gloreen! Cara

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