Search by Name

Search by Name

Aleta Fenceroy Obituary

FENCEROY-Aleta, died on September
23, 2006, after a 3 month battle with cancer. For the 57 years prior, she lived her life to the fullest. She raised two wonderful children and she was the proud and doting grandmother of three beautiful little girls. Aleta taught herself to play piano at a young age and then went on to get a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. She was a church organist for thirty years, most notably at First Christian Church in Sioux City, IA. She traveled the world and lived with her children in Norway for four years. She was a pioneer in internet communication with a news service geared toward gay/lesbian/bisexual and transgendered people that was known as "Fenceberry." She was the accompanist for Omaha's only gay/lesbian chorus, The River City Mixed Chorus. She spoke on panels with GLSEN and PFLAG to help educate people about the lies and inequality that face the gay community, and she was a political activist for liberal causes. Aleta worked as a computer programmer with First Data Corp where she enjoyed many good friendships and had a profound love for her work. She leaves behind her unrecognized spouse of 15 years, Jean Mayberry; daughter, Michelle Walker R.N.; son-in-law, John Walker; granddaughters: Chloe, Ella and Teaghan of Higley, AZ; son, Major Jeremy Fenceroy USAF, currently stationed in Accra, Ghana; brother, Michael Ballard of Des Moines, IA; friends too numerous to mention. Aleta was a good daughter, mother, wife, worker, musician, friend, American, and a wonderful human being.
A Memorial Potluck Celebration of Aleta's life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St. in Omaha, NE, on Friday, October 6 at 6:30 PM In lieu of flowers, Aleta wished donations either to the American Civil Liberties Union or to The River City Mixed Chorus at P.O. Box 3267, Omaha, NE (http://www.rcmc.org). HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN
DWORAK-CUTLER
WEST CENTER CHAPEL
78th & West Center 391-3900
Published by Omaha World-Herald from Sep. 25 to Oct. 1, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Aleta Fenceroy

Not sure what to say?





Jean N Mayberry

September 19, 2021

I can't believe we have now been apart for as long as we were together, 15 years. I think of you often and still dream of you. You would be so proud of your children and grandchildren, who are not really children anymore. All my love, your schmoe!

Carole Walton

October 7, 2006

I had the pleasure of being Aleta's traveling companion to Austrailia, where we attended the Sidney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1992. I have lots of wonderful memories of her. The world was a better place because she was a part of it, and is a sadder place because of her passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Jean, and also Aleta's family.

Mark and Barb Farrell

October 4, 2006

Our sympathy and sincere condolences go out to Jean and Aleta's whole extended family. Her smile and kindness will be missed at the neighborhood gatherings.

Kathy Korinko

October 4, 2006

I did not know Aleta long, but I do know that she was a kind and caring person. Even when she wasn't feeling well, she would ask how you were doing. I can't imagine how others feel who have known her a longer time. She was one of a kind. Jean and family, you are in my prayers.

Jean Mayberry

October 2, 2006

She was my best friend, someone I could talk to and laugh with who I knew would always be there for me. She is still with me and will live in my heart and memory forever. There is a huge hole in the universe with her loss.

Nancy Brink

October 2, 2006

Gentle, wise, funny, gifted, hard-working, insightful--so many words to describe Aleta. And the essence of her spirit is beyond all words.
Peace, my friend. Nancy Brink

September 30, 2006

I always felt nurtured by Aleta. She had a rare gift for listening with her whole person and attention. I miss her.

NYC 2004

September 29, 2006

River City Mixed Chorus, June 18, 2006

September 28, 2006

Peggy Ryan

September 28, 2006

I feel honored to have known Aleta. We shared some great moments together in the last days of her life. I felt blessed to have been there when she died. She will be missed terribly.

Ken Ballard

September 28, 2006

My Aunt Aleta was a wonderful woman. She mentored me when I came out as a gay man. She was always such a warm and creative woman.

Elizabeth "Buff" Axtell

September 26, 2006

Words cannot express the sadness and loss I felt as I read of the world's losing such a warm, beautiful, intelligent woman.

Peggy Jones

September 25, 2006

Aleta was a gifted, beautiful, and wonderful person. We all suffer a loss with her gone. I'll miss her very much

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Aleta Fenceroy's name

Memorial Events
for Aleta Fenceroy

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Aleta's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Aleta Fenceroy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more