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 master's in early childhood and special education.  She taught Pre-K and Kindergarten in the City of Bridgeport, teaching generations of students and was loved as a teacher.  From 1978 until her retirement in 2006, Alex was a vital and devoted team member in the Bridgeport Schools' Consultation Center program, which emphasized the key value of play in assessing the developmental strengths and needs of preschoolers, as well as the essential participation of parents and family members as partners in both assessment and intervention.  Initially the lead teacher in the Consultation Center's pilot program, Alex went on to become a full-time teacher/coordinator on the transdisciplinary team.  She mentored new teachers in the program and worked collaboratively with colleagues from the Board of Education departments including Early Childhood, School Psychology, Social Work, Speech/Language, OT and PT as well as community preschool programs, mental health service providers and Bridgeport Hospital pediatric residents.

Alex also obtained her master's in religious education from Drew University, then teaching religious education at the Stratford United Methodist Church for many years.

Alex had many talents, from skiing the slopes in Massachusetts, to baking her famous Speculaas, crescent and gingerbread cookies during 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 also played the harpsichord, loved classical music and looked forward to Bridgeport Symphony concerts.  She was skilled at sewing, making many of her own clothes and creating beautiful quilts.

Alex supported her community through good works at the Stratford United Methodist church (she enjoyed the pancake breakfasts and the pumpkins in the 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.  Alex loved and rescued many cats over her lifetime including her most recent cats Jake and Sophie.

Alex was predeceased by her parents: Ruth Jane Leonhard Vanderclock and Jay Sumner Vanderclock.  She is survived by her cherished brother Jacob Sumner Vanderclock, her sister-in-law Sally, her niece Amy Vanderclock and her nephew Jay S. Vanderclock.  She also has two great nephews: Benjamin George Brown and Joshua Jacob Brown and many cousins.  Many good friends helped Alex over the years, and the family is grateful to all the support from Ellen and Anita, who provided special care and love to her.  In addition to her friends and staff at Crosby Commons, her primary caretakers from Executive Homecare of Stratford: Beverly, Mary Jean and Rosemarie and the Vitas Hospice care staff also provided caring and much appreciated support.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Stratford United Methodist Church 2600 Main St, Stratford, CT. 06615.

Contributions in her memory can be made to "The friends of the Shelton Animal Shelter" 11 Brewster Lane, Shelton, Ct. 06484