June 15, 1944 – Jan. 4, 2005

Turkey RPCV Roseanne S. Allexenberg, the founder of Cayuga County’s Christmas Elf program, died of ovarian cancer

NIAGARA FALLS – Roseanne S. “Ronni” Allexenberg, of Maple Avenue, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, in Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo.

She was born in Buffalo, June 15, 1944, the daughter of Rosemary S. Lumley of Niagara Falls, and the late Morris R. Allexenberg.

Ronni received two master degrees, one in art and literature and the second in early education. She joined the Peace Corps in the 1960s, serving two years in Turkey. After returning, she became a recruiter in St. Louis, Mo. for the Midwest area for five years. She later became the public relations person for the St. Louis Health & Hospital Systems, until 1985.

Ronni accepted a position at Tufts University in Boston, Mass., to teach on the subject of World War II, but due to ill health returned to Auburn to be with her family. She was employed as a newspaper reporter with the Auburn Citizen.

She originated the Christmas Elf program in Cayuga County in 1987, and worked part-time with the paper on the Christmas Elf program through Christmas 2000.

She moved back to Niagara Falls with her family on July 4, 1990, where she was a literacy volunteer. Ronni was writing a book on the Peace Corps up until the time of her death.

Besides her mother, she is survived by two brothers, Michael R. (Pat) Allexenberg of Hamburg and David J. Treat of Niagara Falls; two sisters, Gayle (Henry) Sobieniak of Australia and Robin (Ray) Arne of Cheektowaga. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family at the Rhoney Funeral Home, 1124 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls, was Thursday, followed by funeral services at 8 p.m., with the Rev. Michael R. Burkley officiating. — from The Auburn Citizen, January 7, 2005