By Philip Newman
Paule “Pauline” Rivoire Oakes Alexander, of Bayside, who served in many community and faith-based organizations and on boards dedicated to helping the elderly in Queens and beyond, died March 28. She was 99.
Born Sept. 15, 1915, Alexander was a member of the board of directors of United Adult Ministries from 1974 until her retirement in 2010, when she was named director emeritus.
The award was presented “in recognition of her strong leadership, commitment and dedication in delivering outstanding care and services to older adults,” said the Rev. Douglas Kurtz, president of UAM.
UAM is the parent of Flushing House, the nonprofit, independent living retirement community in Flushing.
Alexander joined the board prior to the opening of Flushing House and retired as the first vice president of the organization’s board. Throughout her career, Alexander served on the boards of other senior housing communities, such as Alberta Alston and Fort Schuyler houses.
She was an elder of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and a longtime member of the Presbytery of New York City, where she served as the moderator in 1983. She served on the boards of other faith-based groups, including the Council of Churches of the City of New York, the Queens Federation of Churches and the Whitestone Counseling Center.
Alexander was active with various nonprofits, such as the Queens Oratorio Society, for 30 years, and also as a reader for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic in Manhattan for 40 years.
She was predeceased by her husband Jack and siblings Madeleine Bini, Doris Taylor and Albert Rivoire Jr.
Alexander is survived by her brother, five children — Phyllis Oakes, Jonathan Alexander, Terry Alexander, Lyn Meza and Ross Alexander — two grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Those wishing to donate may contribute to The George Nussbaum Fund in honor of Paule Alexander.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
