Almira Lowry Cheney

The younger sister of Frances Cheney, Almira Lowry Cheney was born in Saybrook, Illinois, in 1875. She entered Lombard College at the age of 17 and was among the first group that met to discuss the formation of Alpha Xi Delta. She served as the first secretary for the Alpha Chapter. Almira was serious but also enjoyed lighter moments and has been described as the force behind the group that created the Alpha Xi Delta yell-once even losing her voice from yelling so enthusiastically! Almira worked as a teacher after graduating from Lombard College. A fellow Alpha Xi Delta once said about her: "Almira Cheney has a kind of unchanged youth which makes her find her greatest content in working with young people." In 1907, Almira decided to go into ministry, first serving as a pastor to the same circuit her sister Frances had held before her death. She then held various ministerial roles in Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. Finally, she worked as a practical nurse in the Chicago area. Alpha Xi Delta alumnae offered much kindness and support to Almira throughout her life. She died in January 1946 at the age of 71.