Dorel May Callender
February 3, 1933 ~ September 29, 2025
Resided in:
Alexandria, Virginia
It is with great love and gratitude that the family of Dorel May Callender announces her passing on September 29, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia, at the age of 92. Her life was one of vision, integrity, and love — a true embodiment of the pioneering Caribbean spirit. Dorel was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Victor Callender (2000). She is lovingly remembered by her children Dr. Charles Callender and Tonia Callender, and her cherished grandchildren Alexander, William, Victor, and Wynter.
Born in Jamaica to Evylen and Alban Hay, Dorel was the eldest of six children and the only daughter. A woman ahead of her time, she defied expectations to pursue her passion for education, earning both her Bachelor of Arts (1959) and Master of Arts (1962) in Economics from the University of Toronto. While at university, she met Victor, with whom she shared a lifelong partnership filled with intellectual curiosity, laughter, and deep devotion.
As an economist, Dorel crafted economic policies to support many countries. She conducted economic research for Ontario, Canada and for Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, later becoming the first female member of the Board of the Inter-American Development Bank and the economic advisor to the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States. She earned one of Jamaica’s highest honors, the Order of Distinction, in recognition of her service and dedication to national development.
Beyond her professional life, Dorel worked tirelessly in her community. She volunteered as a docent at the Washington National Cathedral for many years and supported the Caribbean Diaspora in the DC Metro area. She is the author of A Caribbean Mom’s Table, a celebrated cookbook preserving generations of Caribbean culinary traditions.
We will remember Dorel at a memorial service at 10:00 AM February 21st, in the Bethlehem Chapel of the Washington National Cathedral – Please enter the Cathedral via the Good Shepherd Entrance. We invite attendees to wear a hat in honor of Dorel, whose hats were legendary.
In lieu of flowers, the family is grateful for any contributions in honor of Dorel to the “Dorel and Victor Callender Memorial Fund”, an academic scholarship that supports other aspiring Caribbean students at the University of Toronto.
To make a donation, you may use the following link:
https://engage.utoronto.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate#/fund/2413
or to make a gift by mail/cheque payable to University College – U of T, and then in the memo section specify the Dorel and Victor Callender Memorial Fund.
Services
Memorial Service: February 21, 2026 10:00 am
Bethlehem Chapel of the Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
View current weather.
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Dorel May Callender's name.
Dorel and Victor Callender Memorial Fund at the University of Toronto
21 King's College Circle
Toronto, Ontario,
Canada
M5S 3J3
Memories Timeline
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With deepest gratitude and appreciation for your life and witness. You have made our world a better place. Rest in Peace.
I will deeply miss our food talks, dreams and visions. Dear Friend you left your mark and made a difference. Broken hearted to let you go.
The Thompson/Bennett Family🙏🏽💐
It was such a joy having you as a neighbor! We will miss your wisdom and insights and your warm laugh. Your loss is felt deeply on Whiteoaks Drive.
We miss you dear Dorel and we are grateful to have had you in our lives. We are happy to have treasured memories.
I will always treasure our discussions about travel, family, politics, gardening, cooking, and the beautiful complexities of life. You had a rare gift for listening deeply and speaking thoughtfully, and time with you was never anything less than a blessing. You were a true and loyal friend, and I will miss you more than words can say. I am profoundly grateful to have known you and to have been counted among your friends. The world feels dimmer without your bright spirit and that unmistakable twinkle in your eye. You carried a spark of the divine within you and shared it so generously with everyone you met. I always left our visits full of joy.
My deepest condolences to your family and to all of us who are left holding your memory close to our hearts.
David Lloyd
Olivia Skye Austin
Your presence is still felt and may you rest in eternal peace.
Carlyle Callender and family