Dorel May Callender

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.