Mary Lee Alexander

Mary Lee passed away on March 10, 2025, in the arms of Patrick, her beloved soulmate and husband of 54 years. She was a loving and devoted mother to her three children: son James (Erin) of Winnipeg, daughter Kelly of Winnipeg, son Michael (Aliza) of Victoria. She loved and enjoyed being grandma to Victoria, Benjamin, Katie Lee, Carter, Aidyn, and Daria Lee.

Mary Lee was born January 29, 1948, in Edmonton, the middle child of seven children. Predeceased by her parents, Mike and Blanche Hubenig (Topp), brother Daniel Hubenig, sister Donna Rogers (Hubenig), sister-in-law Marilyn (Gardner-Hubenig); parents-in-law, Wallace and Roma Alexander (Leyden), and brother-in-law James Alexander.

She leaves to mourn her sisters, Lynn (Brian) Dojack, Gayle (Cliff) Benedictson; brothers, Michael (Bernice) Hubenig, Richard Hubenig; brother-in-law Jack (Cherie) Alexander, sister-in-law MaryJane (Richard) McGrath; numerous cherished nieces and nephews and their families; and lifelong inspirational, supportive and loving friends.

Mary Lee was an extraordinary woman who touched many lives. She will be remembered for her incredible organizational skills, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength, unending energy, clear focus, and ‘can-do’ attitude. Named by Sr. Dora OMI, as the “Fire Starter”. Mary Lee was the spark that created many new, diverse communities and organizations. Her missionary spirit to answer the call ‘Here I am Lord’ was expressed throughout her life and will be part of the legacy that she leaves for others to build upon.

Mary Lee loved music and was born a dancer. As a six-year-old, she would practice her competition tap dances in the bathtub, resulting in many trophies. Over the years Mary Lee owned and operated dance schools in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia; teaching children and adults, tap ballet, jazz and in later years, Hula dance.

For a number of years and with a young family, Mary Lee set dance aside. While living in Winnipeg, she completed a BA (magnum cum laude) and continued her lifelong learning journey, graduating with a Master in Public Administration from the combined program of the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg (summa cum laude). At the same time, Mary Lee worked as a policy analyst in the Manitoba Government, with teams creating programs and services for women and children living in abusive relationships, and for adults and children with disabilities.

After moving back to Victoria in 2005, Mary Lee was a senior policy analyst with the Department of Health, winning a Provincial Government award as a member of the Organ Donation and Transplantation Program.

Following retirement, Mary Lee created and directed, Hula Dance for Health an innovative Hawaiian dance program with a published repertoire. Her amazing grace, caring heart and talent were shared with the dancers and seniors in numerous hospitals and care homes, and performances at the 55+ Life Style Shows. This program has recently evolved into the Monterey Hula Dance Club.

Mary Lee lived her life to the full. For decades, she prevailed through multiple and different types of cancer. She was grateful for the many years that she lived: “So much joy. So many blessings. Filled with Love and Gratitude.”

THE WAVE

I thought I was the wave,

but I am the ocean

I thought I was the Ocean,

but I was the water Bathed by the heat of the sun, water evaporates

And I am nothing,

but nothing is everything.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made to: The Cridge Centre For The Family (https://cridge.org/donate/), or to a charity of your choice.

At Mary Lee’s request there will be no service, so please honour her memory however you think best. Perhaps you could take a walk along the beach and think of her as you watch and listen to the ‘waves coming in and the waves going out’.

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