Dionne Michelle Aleman

life story

A Brilliant Mind, a Fearless Advocate, and a Mother Above All

She inspired through wisdom, cared through action, and loved through devotion - to her family, her work, and the causes close to her heart.

Dr. Dionne Michelle Aleman

(November 16, 1980 – October 21, 2025)

The loved ones of Dionne Michelle Aleman are saddened to share the news of her untimely passing. Dionne was coping with illness for many years and stayed strong for as long as she did thanks to an incredible care team.

She leaves behind her devoted wife, Nancy Huang, and son, Roberto Aleman, as well as her sister, Erica Garriss, mother, Sandra Horwitz, and extended family and friends worldwide. Dionne was predeceased by her father, Roberto Aleman.

Born in Miami, Florida, Dionne grew up with a passion for books, sports, video games, animals, and fast cars. She studied Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Florida, eventually completing a PhD. In 2007, she and Nancy moved to Canada, and Dionne took a faculty position at the University of Toronto.

For 18 years, Dionne was a deeply valued member of the U of T Engineering and MIE community —a colleague, a mentor, a leader, and above all, a friend. Her impact on the institution and on the people within it cannot be measured by titles alone, though she held many: Associate Dean of Cross-Disciplinary Programs, Dean’s Advisor on 2SLGBTQ+ Initiatives, and faculty co-chair of the Engineering Positive Space Committee.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dionne was deeply proud of her family. Nancy and Rob were the loves of her life, bringing a sense of pride that revealed how much love and joy they brought to her. She embraced the world with the same enthusiasm she brought to her work. She loved to travel —to explore new places, cultures, and cuisines —and she was always up for an adventure outdoors, whether it was hiking, skydiving, or simply spending time in nature.

To her colleagues, she was a source of insight and energy; to her students, she was a guide and champion; to her family and friends, she was someone who showed up —fully, genuinely, and without reservation.

Celebration of Life will be held in Toronto (April 26, 2026).

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate in memory of Dionne. UofT Engineering is setting up a scholarship to honor her passion and dedication: https://engage.utoronto.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate#/fund/2373

A lovely memorial hosted by UofT was held on Nov 26, 2025. A glimpse into her life's work: https://youtu.be/hJpPrjn1trM