Grace Malinag Alegre
February 23, 1971 – November 16, 2019
Grace Malinag Alegre peacefully went home to her Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2019, while surrounded by her family. She was 48 years old.
She was the youngest of three children born to the late Gregorio and Jacinta Malinag in Charleston, South Carolina. She graduated from Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Virginia in 1989 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University in 1994.
A beloved alumna and longtime member of the Regent University community, Grace graduated from the School of Business and Leadership, earning her MBA in 2001 and later, her Doctorate of Strategic Leadership in 2018. She served the university in several roles over the years, including: Director of Alumni Relations, Graduate Admissions Counselor, Alumni and Career Services Coordinator and most recently, Adjunct Professor in the School of Business and Leadership. Grace also served on the Executive Alumni Board and established the Student Alumni Ambassadors program. More importantly, however, Grace was a mentor, colleague and beloved friend to so many people at Regent University, the Hampton Roads community, and beyond.
While she never considered herself an athlete, Grace was always involved in sports. She played soccer and field hockey at LTHS, rugby at ODU and enjoyed participating in races and marathons with her closest friends. Rooting for the Washington Nationals was one of her joys and she often tried to sway her friends into loving baseball as much as football. Grace also played the piano and pursued her love of music as a violist in Norfolk Public School’s Strolling Silver Strings, Youth Orchestra and more recently in Virginia Beach’s Symphonicity Orchestra. Her favorite pastimes include having afternoon tea with her sister, watching Gilmore Girls and discussing innovative ideas on Christian Leadership in the marketplace. She was affectionately called “Gracia” by her family and took pride in being “Nanay’s bunso” (mom’s youngest child).
Her greatest mission in life was to serve God and demonstrate the love of Jesus to everyone she encountered. With deep devotion, Grace continually poured her time and energy into her husband, children, parents and siblings. This love has overflowed into the lives of countless people who continue to be inspired by Grace’s spirit and legacy.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Dave Albert Alegre; her two children; daughter, Valerie Faith; son, David Nicolas; brother, David Martinez Malinag; sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer Malinag Waldren and Rodney Ellis Waldren along with many extended family members who loved and admired her dearly.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 21st at 11:00 a.m. in Shaw Chapel on the campus of Regent University, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach. Viewing and visitation will be on Saturday, November 23rd from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by A Celebration of Life Service, both at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach. Interment will be held on Sunday, November 24th, with a procession beginning at 10:30 a.m. from Altmeyer Funeral Home to Colonial Grove Memorial Park, 3445 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach.
All expressions of love are being received at this time. Family and friends can also offer support by contributing to the memorial funds established in Grace Alegre’s name at Treasured Memories Community Funding (Celebrating Grace’s Life) and GoFundMe. Cards may also be sent directly to Dave Alegre at 3801 Ridgeview Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452.