Gertrude "Betsy" Alexander

September 17, 1916 – April 13, 2015

Gertrude Elizabeth (Betsy) nee Bakewell Alexander, 98, died in her sleep at home in Tallahassee, Florida, on Monday, April 13, 2015. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Betsy grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Homestead, Florida, with her husband, John S. (Sandy) Alexander, following their marriage in 1940. They built their home in Tallahassee in 1978 and spent their summers in Somesville, Maine for more than 50 years.

An elementary school teacher, nature lover and gifted writer, Betsy published four volumes of poetry and a novel, “Path Through Deep Waters.” Until recently, she directed a weekly class in creative writing for seniors at Allegro. A loyal friend and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Betsy was a passionate letter writer who kept in touch through “snail mail” and frequent phone calls.

She is predeceased by her parents, Edward and Kathleen Bakewell, her sister, Nancy Weiler, and her husband Sandy. Survivors include daughters Judy Stone of Tallahassee, FL; Kathy Cepeda (Charles) of Plantation, FL; and Nancy Zucker (Ronald), of Garland, TX; and son, John W. Alexander (Theresa), of Herndon, VA; eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

In keeping with her wishes, Betsy will be cremated and her ashes buried alongside her husband in Brookside Cemetery in Somesville, Maine. Details of a graveside celebratory ceremony this summer will be provided at a later date. When Betsy was hospitalized briefly last year following a fall in her home, the hospital staff said, “You don’t have any medical history.” In reply, Betsy said, “The last time I was in the hospital was when my son was born and he is 67 years old.”

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life from 10 AM until noon on Wednesday, April 15th, in the Game Room on the second floor at Allegro (Heritage Oaks) -- the same room where members of her creative writing group met for nearly two decades.

In her poem, “The Clock of Life,” Betsy wrote, “I’ll try to live each second with Faith and Heart and Will; For if I wait, tomorrow, the hands may both be still.” Betsy enriched many lives with her giving heart, inspiring words, vibrant spirit and healing touch. Her passing will leave a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her, but they will always have a treasure trove of happy memories from having known her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Big Ben Hospice.