Mary Bird Alexander

Mary Bird Alexander died Tuesday, July 19, 2005 peacefully with her two loving children Ann Alexander and Jim Alexander by her side. She had struggled with cancer for many years. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter and friend. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of forty-nine years, Dr. James Robert Alexander, Mary’s parents Tom and Bess Bird and her close aunt and uncle William and Bill Bird. She always missed them greatly; Mary’s maternal grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Victor Oatman also were born in Austin and lived in Travis County. Her grandmother had been a member of the long- time Sneed Family of Travis County. The Sneed’s original family home owned by Mary’s grandfather is listed in the National register. Mary is survived by her devoted caring children, Ann Alexander and James Alexander, both of Austin, her brother William Riley Bird and wife Terry Bird of Lakeway, Niece Sandra Bird and her daughter Riley of Austin, Nephew William Bird of Florida and his children Nicole and William Bird. Mary was born in Austin, Texas on October 2, 1922, and lived in Austin most of her life. She attended Pease elementary school, John J. Allen Junior high School, and Austin High School. She then enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She married her loving husband during World War II, when he returned from being overseas for two years and they were stationed in many places. In returning to Austin at the end of the war, her husband Alex went back to the University and to complete his first degree and she worked at the UT Health Center as a secretary for Dr. Joe Gilbert. Upon Alex’s graduation a year later they went to Houston Texas for Dr. Alexander to attend the University of Texas Dental Branch. She Taught Fourth grade students in the Houston Public Schools for four years. Their first child Ann was born during their time in Houston. After Dr. Alexander’s graduation they went to Fort Hood, Killeen Texas in order for him to do an internship in Oral Surgery. While there she was a Kindergarten teacher. Mary always said she and Alex loved every minute of being there together. Dr. Alexander and Mary returned to Austin in June 1952. They were excited to be back in their home town, and Jim, their son, was born the day that Alex announced his plan to practice dentistry in Austin. Mary was president of the Women’s Dental Auxiliary in 1954, started giving her time at St. David’s Hospital Auxiliary and then the Women’s Symphony League. She was a member of the League for fifty-years. Mary and her husband were chairmen of the 1967 Jewel ‘Cinderella’ Ball. She was very helpful in starting the Knights of the Symphony, which contributed so much to the success of the Austin Symphony. Mary became interested in Antiques and enjoyed collection and restoration of classic pieces. She and her husband bought and restored the Historical James Smith House made with the stone from the original State Capitol of Texas. They received a Historic Preservation Award for renovation of the James B. Smith Home, 502 West 13th St on February 26, 1976. She was a member of the Settlement Club for 40 years. For many years she worked on committees as Chairwoman enriching the lives of the children in residence at the Settlement Club. Later she helped found the group to oversee the First Settlement Home Garage Sale on 38th St in the Franklin Building. She was devoted to the Settlement Club and its many accomplishments. Mary served as an active docent as a Friend of the Governors Mansion for 12 years. She enjoyed cooking for her gourmet supper club, garden club, book club, card clubs and all of the social organizations which were a part of her life. Mary had many hobbies in her life including the enjoyment, pleasure and memories that she had hunting with her husband and their wonderful friends and her son Jim. She loved the outdoors and loved the friends that she became so close to through hunting and fishing. Mary and her children would like to especially thank Dr. John Whitaker for his gentle, thoughtful and outstanding care over a period of many years. Mary and her children also wish to thank Hospice Austin for all they have done. Pallbearers Evan Williams, Judge Mace Thurman, H.C. (Dulie) Bell, Dr. Frank Covert, Robert Bridges, Nelson Puett, Jack Grosskopf, and Gris Rogers. Honorary Pallbearers Dr. James Graham, Rogan Giles, Larry Korenek, Marshall Walker, Jack Goodman, and Jay Barnes. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2005 at First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity, with Rev. Doug Keenan and Dr. Roger A. Paynter officiating. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park cemetery. Memorials and guestbook are available online @ wcfish.com