Alix Marie Allison

Alix Allison rose to the heavens on September 6, rejoining the stars she admired and studied throughout her life. She was passionate in seeking to understand the universe and dedicated herself to learning and to teaching others how to understand the vast complexities of space. Distilling complex concepts into understandable, tangible knowledge as an Explainer at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum for two years, she shared her fascination with the cosmos with visitors of all ages. No matter the concept or the question, Alix had a gift for making the universe feel a little closer and more wondrous.

Alix was particularly fascinated with multiwavelength astronomy — the practice of looking at the universe not just in visible light, but across the full spectrum, from x-ray to radio, and combining those different wavelengths together to create a composite image. It was a fitting metaphor for how she moved through the world: recognizing the invisible, unique parts of people, and finding a way to bring them all together into something whole and beautiful.

Alix's curiosity and passions were many and varied. She was an avid music lover, always excited for the next concert, with Green Day, Pierce the Veil, and My Chemical Romance holding a special place in the soundtrack of her heart. She found joy on the water as a member of The Gunston School sailing team, thrills on the mountain snowboarding, and beauty — and at times humor — in her self-expression through art. While she was always looking to the sky, she cared deeply about the earth and was involved in environmental activism. She was always learning, always caring about the world and the people in it.

She contributed her humor, creativity, and kindness to the many communities she was a part of, including the University of Maryland, The Gunston School, the Air and Space Museum, and the many friends she collected growing up in Annapolis. Alix was the very best example of what a friend should be, in word and in action. She lived without judgment and easily saw the innate goodness within others. She was giving of herself and her many talents, and her generosity and kindness seemed limitless.

She is survived by her loving parents, Holly (née Lohman) and C. Ernest Allison; her boyfriend, Zach Zarus; sister Liz Allison; brother Andrew J. Allison; grandparents Marilyn (née Thibodaux) and Daniel Lohman; Aunt Heather Milam; Uncles Glen Lohman (Paige) and James Allison (Judy); and cousins Sam and Susannah Lohman, Cameron, Cole and Courtney Milam, Charles Allison, and Leslie Allison (Francis). She is preceded in death by grandparents Charles Allison and Elizabeth Allison Uhlig (née Scheerbaum).

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 11, 2026. Details may be found at https://everloved.com/life-of/alix-allison/