Gabrielle Adeline Alexander

Gabrielle was born on Jan. 21, 1999, to Greg and Rachel Alexander in Carrollton, GA. After graduating from Dulles High School in 2017, she went to Costa Rica to study Spanish with EF (Education First). After a year of learning Spanish abroad and becoming fluent, she continued her studies at the University of Bedfordshire in England. Her second year of university there was interrupted by COVID, so she used the time to earn her real estate license, signing on with Keller Williams. Not long after, she began a new job with the Harris County District Attorney’s office, preparing cases for court.

Her father’s job led to many moves, starting at age two when she left Carrollton, GA, and settled in LaGrange, KY. Two years later, she moved to Allen, TX, and 15 months after that, to Greenville, SC. In five months’ time, she was on her way to Brisbane, Australia, for her first overseas move. Two years later, she made her second one to Jakarta, Indonesia. Needless to say, these transitions helped shape Gabrielle into a person who appreciated different cultures, different people, and different cuisines. And instead of being a shy child who would not look people in the eye or say hello, she became a confident and fearless young woman, adapting to any situation in front of her.

Just two months ago, she and her sister, Natalie, moved into their dream apartment in downtown Houston, something they had been planning and looking forward to for years. She found eclectic furniture, put her art on the walls, and helped her “homebody” introverted sister go out and make friends. She was excited to study Interior Architecture at the University of Houston this fall.

As a young child, Gabrielle was an avid reader. At the checkout counter, a librarian would often ask, “Did you leave any (books) for the rest of us?” and she would give a big grin. As a result, her big imagination spurred many dramatic and musical presentations with her sisters, usually involving dress up clothes, crazy makeup and script lines.

With the exception of spiders, Gabrielle never met an animal she didn’t like or want to rescue. Bunnies, baby squirrels, turtles, frogs, injured birds, small alligators, …. It didn’t matter. She would carefully and with much empathy, console the creature and do her best to help it heal. Her longtime dog, Violet, was a sweet comfort to her, along with her Sphynx, Myshka, who never ceased to make us laugh.

Her compassion towards animals also extended to people. Upon watching the events of 911 unfold, two-year-old Gabrielle asked God to “give them a blanket so they could feel better.” As an adult, she felt the pain of others when they were distressed or discouraged, and would give whatever she had or whatever was needed at the time, to help the person feel better.

Gabrielle had many passions, including art, interior design, and fashion. She was an expert “thrifter” and price negotiator, and used her skills to acquire and sell nearly anything. Her paintings ranged from modern to traditional, and many people were blessed to have been given one of these gifts.

Her main passion, however, was giving young children (and even sometimes an adult) the life-skill of swimming. When she was four years old, she was still terrified to swim. After years of trying different swim instructors, her parents took her to Emler Swim School, where a sweet young instructor mouthed through the glass to her Mom, “Do you want me to force her?” and Mom nodded, “Yes.” Something magical happened between the two of them and Gabrielle’s fear turned to trust. From then on, you could not keep her out of the water. Twenty years later, Gabrielle’s swim parents attest to her unique connection with their children and the “magical ways” she gave confidence and survival skills to even the most resistant child.

Gabrielle was charming, had a refined, dry wit and a strong will that tested her parents, at times. She was a person you brought with you to awkward social gatherings to smooth things over and stimulate conversation. She could make anyone feel at ease. Even the biggest introvert would become chatty and excited to share, if Gabrielle were asking the questions.

In high school, Gabrielle excelled at any sport she tried. Whether it was running track or cross country, making the soccer team with zero experience, or excelling on the Dulles High Swim Team, she gave it her all.

The hole Gabrielle leaves is immense and not able to be filled. Her absence will forever be felt.

Gabrielle is preceded in death by her grandmothers, Linda F. White, of Pensacola, FL, and Lorraine M. Alexander, of Fenton, MO. She leaves behind her parents, Greg and Rachel Alexander; three sisters, Natalie E. Alexander of Houston, Adrienne C. Alexander of Okinawa, Japan, and Vivienne E. Alexander of Sugar Land; one brother, Benjamin H. Alexander of Sugar Land; two grandfathers, Darriel White of Pensacola, FL and Paul Alexander of Fenton, MO; many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.settegastkopf.com for the Alexander family.