Marie Louise Alexander

ROCHESTER The funeral for Marie Louise Alexander, age 68, of Rochester, will be 2:00 p.m. Friday at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester, MN with Pastor Michael Wuehler officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. There will also be a reception at the church following the funeral and burial. Marie died Monday (March 15, 2010) at her daughter's home in Williston, ND.

Marie was born on October 26, 1941 to Theodore and Charlotte (Livingston) Schnau in White Plains, New York. She married David C. Alexander on July 20th, 1963. They had two children; Timothy and Karen. In 1969 they moved to Rochester, MN.

For nearly 35 years Marie dedicated a part of nearly every day in service to Rochester's refugee families. Marie served as a volunteer to co-ordinate here in SE Minnesota the Refugee Ministry for the national Church World Service (CWS) agency. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA) of Rochester, on whose Board of Directors she served for 25 years. Marie had a special place in her heart for those refugees who were ill or handicapped and spent countless hours providing guidance and support for them. She also had a natural ability to absorb languages and developed a working knowledge of the Cambodian and Vietnamese languages without any formal study! Through her years of dedicated service, Marie played a major role in making Rochester's refugee resettlement program, a success. She was so very proud of the contributions refugees were making each day to enrich the cultural life of our Rochester community. As the influx of refugees slowed, Marie turned her attention to helping other groups by serving as a board member and volunteer for Community Food Response. She also contributed her time to the Red Cross, Saturday Meal Program at Christ United Methodist Church, and Tax Preparation. Recently, Marie served as President of the Day Maker's Kiwanis group.

Marie is survived by her husband, David; son Tim (Rodica) of Rochester; daughter Karen (Mike Stamp) of Williston, ND; and 6 grandchildren Devin, Nadia, Charlotte, Ian, Seth, and Boaz. Marie also leaves behind many friends and family who love her dearly.

Friends may visit at the Mahn Family Funeral Home Rochester Chapel from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, and one hour before the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that memorials be made to either the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association or Community Food Response.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.