Alexandra Vanderclock

Alexandra Harder Vanderclock, originally from Paterson, NJ, passed peacefully on February 28, 2024, in Shelton, CT, at age 83. Her family moved to Stratford, CT in 1952, and Alex attended Stratford Public Schools, graduating from Stratford High School in 1958. She graduated from Southern Conn. State Teachers College (now S.C.S.U), eventually earning her Masters in Early Childhood Education. She taught Pre-K and Kindergarten in the city of Bridgeport, teaching generations of students and was loved as a teacher. Her studies and interest in young children led her to participate in the Birth to Three program, which helped educators and professionals assess and prepare children’s educational needs. She went on to get her Masters in Religious Education from Drew University, then teaching religious education at the Stratford United Methodist Church for many years, retiring from that role just a few years ago.

Alex had so many talents, from skiing the slopes in Massachusetts, to baking her famous Dutch Speculaas and crescent cookies at the holidays, to becoming the family genealogist, Alex truly enjoyed research: visiting family historical church registries in Ireland and Holland, to name a few. She even located the vessel that one of her ancestors arrived on from England called the Truelove.

Alex supported her community through good works at the Stratford United Methodist Church (she enjoyed the pancake breakfasts and the pumpkins in front of the church in the fall). She baked genuine Irish Soda bread (white raisins was the secret ingredient) for the Historic William Perry House in Stratford one year for their Irish festival fundraiser. She was a world traveler; having been to Japan, Israel (many times), Holland, France, and even sang for her church choir in the UK.

She was predeceased by her parents: Ruth Jane Leonhard Vanderclock and Jay Sumner Vanderclock. She is survived by her cherished brother, Jacob Sumner Vanderclock, her sisterin-law, Sally, her niece, Amy VanderClock and her nephew, Jay S. Vanderclock. She also has two greatnephews: Benjamin George Brown and Joshua Jacob Brown, and many cousins. Many good friends helped Alex over the years, and the family is grateful to the support from Anita Perez, who provided special care and love to her.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Stratford United Methodist Church, 2600 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615. The Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford, has been entrusted with the arrangements. To make an online condolence, please visit www.adzimafuneralhome.com