Renate Maria Alexander

Durham, NC – Renate Maria Alexander, age 85, died peacefully in Durham, NC on January 23, 2021. She was born on June 15, 1935 to the late Theo & Anna Nies.

Renate was born and raised in Frankfurt Germany where she met and married her late, husband, Walter Alexander in Frankfurt Germany on February 6, 1954. She relocated to the US in July, 1954 where she became a homemaker. Renate lived in many states during her lifetime due to her husband’s work. She lived in Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, West Virginia, Florida and settled in North Carolina.

She was a founding member of St. Matthews Catholic Church and volunteered at the VA, Duke Cancer Center and other various church activities. Renate loved gardening and had a beautiful rose garden for many years. She loved to read, crochet and make jewelry. The family was fascinated by her memories and stories of her time in Germany during World War II. The family also loved her famous German potato salad. Steffani (Renate’s) granddaughter learned how to make it in recent years and the tradition will live on.

Renate is survived by her loving daughter, Theresa Shouse; her son-in-laws, Steven Shouse and John Meza; four grandchildren, Elaina Dickerson (Broc), David Robertson, Emily Thrasher (William), and Steffani Shouse; and five great grandchildren who brought her much joy, Daniel Dickerson, Allison Dickerson, Cooper Dickerson, Carter Thrasher, and Charlotte Thrasher.

In addition to her parents, Renate was preceded in death by her late husband of 52 years, Walter Alexander; her beloved daughter, Jennifer Meza; and brothers’, Hans & Theo Nies

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, Durham, NC. For family and invited guests, face coverings and social distancing are required. For those not in attendance, a recording of the service will be posted on Hall-Wynne's website following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Matthew Catholic Church in Durham; 1001 Mason Rd, Durham, NC 27712.

The Alexander family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.