Alexandra Kate Robertson Epstein-Gudai

Alex was born on December 5, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada to parents Irving Kenneth and Diane Robertson Epstein. Her beloved sister Katie joined the family in April of 1988.

From her earliest days, Alex was curious, intelligent and kind. She had a creative spirit and an impeccable sense of style. She was deeply empathetic and lit up every room with a smile and laugh that were unmistakable and infectious.

Alex was a “lifer” at The Meadows School, attending the institution from kindergarten through the 12th grade. She was an exceptional student, receiving numerous educational, foreign language and music awards and achievements. Following her graduation from The Meadows, Alex attended Columbia University in New York City where she studied art, French language and pre-med. She graduated from Columbia University in 2007 and subsequently received a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia Business School in 2014.

Several summers during her undergraduate years, Alex worked as an intern at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino in the auditing department. This experience sparked an interest in the hotel casino industry and all things related to Downtown Las Vegas, culminating in being a Founding Board Member of the Neon Museum, Board Member of the Downtown Alliance, Member of the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission and co-founder of Downtown Cares. She also served on the Board of the Las Vegas Jewish Federation.

Following her graduation from Columbia, Alex decided to work alongside her father and devote her time to guiding the operation and development of the El Cortez. She immersed herself in all aspects of the property and was instrumental in directing room remodels, interior design, customer service and digital marketing projects. Alex recognized the importance of the history of the El Cortez as a marketing tool and spearheaded the campaign which resulted in the property becoming the first Hotel & Casino to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. As an El Cortez Board member and Executive Vice President, she brought extraordinary care, vision, and devotion to the El Cortez, honoring its history while helping it evolve for future generations.

In 2012, Alex met Jonathan Gudai at an event at the El Cortez. Alex and Jonathan married in a joyous ceremony in September of 2014 at the Hotel Bel-Air. In 2017, Charlotte joined the family. Nell followed in 2019. Alex was an exemplary mother deeply involved in her children’s educational and moral development. When Charlotte and Nell followed in their mother’s footsteps to the Meadows School, Alex energetically supported her alma mater as a room mom, by regularly reading to students at the library and in numerous fundraising and alumni activities.

Above all, Alex was devoted to her family. She is survived by her husband Jonathan, their daughters Charlotte and Nell, her parents Diane and Kenny, her sister Katie and her husband Jonathan Fine, her brother Lawrence and his wife Michelle Epstein, her sister Dana and husband Dr. Ronald Hofflander, and many beloved extended family members.

Alex was a warm, genuine and generous person. Her thoughtfulness and gracious demeanor blessed her with so many deep and enduring friendships. Her hearty laugh, broad smile and big hugs will be deeply missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her memory to The Meadows School in her honor.

Her love and light continue on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.