Rowena Alexander (17 Aug 1929 - 26 Jan 2020)

In loving memory of Rowena Alexander who sadly passed away on 26th January 2020.

The family have requested all donations in memory of Rowena Alexander go to The Cinnamon Trust by clicking here.
For more information on the charity The Cinnamon Trust please click here.

Rowena Miriam Alexander (1929-2020) - Biography

Rowena M Sanger was born on 17 August 1929, in Paddington hospital, London, her father was William George and her mother was Kathleen Miriam Sanger. Their family home was in Wembley, London. She married John Forrest Alexander on 30 December 1950 in St Margaret's Church Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. They had two children - Bruce and Lindsay (Mira). She died on 26 January 2020 in St Martins Darby and Joan Care Home, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, at the age of 90.

From a young age Rowena had a passion for dancing and trained as a ballet dancer. Her earliest performances were with her father as American Indians in the fully-staged and costumed productions of 'Hiawatha's Wedding Feast' in the Royal Albert Hall, London, by the Royal Choral Society. In her late teens she had to give up dancing due to week ankles. In her twenties she developed Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, which was to plague her throughout her life.

She trained at the Trinity College of Music in London and gained diplomas in Speech, Drama and Music. She was a teacher at Benfleet Secondary School. She played in many theatrical productions in London University, St Margaret's Players, Southend Shakespeare Society and Southend Drama Society including 2 productions of 'Pride & Prejudice' at the Palace Theatre playing Elizabeth Bennett (with a sprained ankle both times!). Indeed, she played Titiana (the Fairy Queen) and John played Oberon (the Fairy King) in a production of 'Midsummer's Night's Dream' (1951). And there is a picture of a young Bruce with mum making up to play Lady Macbeth.

Then joined her husband, John, as Studio Photographers specialising in Theatrical, Pet, Portrait photography with their Studios in The Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea. She will be remembered for the many weddings they photographed where she was renowned for organising the Bride & Groom plus guests - often in the most inclement of weathers. They won many awards for the photographs over the years - Rowena for her photographs of Essex life - both scenery and wildlife. They were both members of the British Institute of Professional Photographers and Master Photographers Association. After retiring from their Studio in 2000 they still took many photographs for their own pleasure. Rowena gained certificates in IT and Adobe Photoshop - engaging in the new world of Digital Photography.

Many people will remember that Rowena loved her cats - she had many cats around her both at home and at their studio. Often known as 'the Cat Lady' - even when she was in the care home for the last few weeks, giving advice to the staff about their cats. Ginger tabby cats 'Lovejoy' and 'Dora (Pandora)' are her latest cats and were a great solace and comfort to her after John passed away. Hence the charity donations to the Cinnamon Trust for the care and re-homing of cats after their owners are not able to look after them.

Rowena loved her garden with its many fruit trees, canes and tomatoes. People will remember her selling her jams, marmalades, chutneys and lemon curd at St Clements church Bazaars and at May Fairs in the Leigh Library gardens.

In her later years she spent most of her days in her Conservatory looking out on her garden and watching the squirrels, foxes and birds visiting her garden. Sitting there knitting (filling Christmas Shoe Boxes), doing crosswords and receiving visits from friends, St Clements parishioners and Mothers Union members. And overcoming the onset of Parkinson's disease and being partially sighted.

26th January 2021 - We have added some photos of Lovejoy & Dora, mum's beloved cats, in their new family home, in Thorpe Bay, where they are very loved.