Edwina Kay Alexander

The third child of Edwin and Gladys, Kay’s early years were spent in Oklahoma before moving to Bakersfield in the first grade. She was precocious, mischievous, a bit of an instigator and flat out smart – characteristics that endeared her to all. She attended various schools throughout Bakersfield, most fondly Pioneer Drive Elementary and Foothill High School.

Kay met the love of her life, John Alexander, in 1974. A handsome dental student, their first date was playing pinochle with friends – something they continued to do throughout their marriage of 48 years. Kay was a devoted, loving and supportive wife. John and Kay were best friends and partners in all aspects of life. Together they raised three strong daughters, Victoria, Elizabeth and Kathryn, and created a close-knit family.

Kay was a successful businesswoman, owning and operating the Big Nickel and her own insurance company. With the birth of her children, she embarked on the role of mom with enthusiasm. She was active in their education, activities and social lives. She was a welcoming presence to all, treating everyone as family.

Edwina returned to school in 1991 to achieve her lifelong dream of a college degree. An excellent student, she graduated from Bakersfield College as the top presidential scholar in 1993, and summa cum laude from California State University – Bakersfield in 1995. She also obtained a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from CSUB in 2005.

It was at BC that she realized her true calling – teaching English to high school students. She taught primarily Freshmen and Juniors at Centennial High School for ten years before taking her skills to the district office. Kay was known for her enthusiasm in and out of the classroom. She made learning fun – from her witty sayings to her silly antics. Mrs. A knew how to keep kids engaged and entertained. She believed in the importance of writing and taught many students, friends and family over the years.

In 2005, Kay became a grandmother – something she regarded as her “greatest role.” NayNay was a daily influence in the lives of her seven grandchildren – and loved every minute of it. A devoted and enthusiastic mother and grandmother, Kay sat through hundreds of hours of athletic events, performances, competitions and assemblies. She reveled in her family’s successes.

Kay was a memory maker – always playing games or planning trips and other activities. She was fortunate to travel throughout the United States and overseas with family and friends. Her travels included: Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Iceland, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and China. She loved RVing with her grandsons and solo trips with her granddaughter. Kay was always up for a game and carried a deck of cards in her purse…just in case. She taught her children, grandchildren and friends how to have fun anywhere and anytime.

Kay is survived by her husband of 48 years, John Alexander, her children Victoria Trichell (John), Elizabeth Bell (Gavin), and Kathryn Karlen (Zak); grandchildren Elyse, Koen, Ian, John, Drake, and Joey; siblings, Edwin Bobbitt, Jr., Gerald Bobbit and Terri Cochran, and sister-in-law, Cheryl Alexander. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin Bobbitt and Gladys Hardy Trotter, and her grandson, Declan Bell.

Every adventure with Kay was a memorable one. As she liked to say, “In the end, all you have is the story.” Her story was one of joy, generosity and strength. Kay Alexander was a well-respected and much-loved individual who will be sorely missed – but never forgotten – by her family and all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th Street in Bakersfield, California, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

If you wish to make a memorial charitable contribution, please consider a cause close to Kay’s heart: cancer research, SCN8A Alliance, Bakersfield Assistance League or children’s literacy.

You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Edwina Kay Alexander or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com