Alice Alexander

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Native Staten Islander Alice Frances Alexander, 85, of Tottenville, a devoted mother and grandmother who overcame many hardships in her life, died Tuesday at home.

She was born Alice Muller in Prince's Bay and graduated from Tottenville High School. She later lived in Eltingville before moving to Great Kills, where she spent most of her life. Twenty years ago, Mrs. Alexander relocated to Toms River, N.J., but returned to the Island two years ago, moving to her daughter's home in Tottenville.

She worked as a telephone operator and in other positions during her long career with AT&T, until retiring in 1988.

"She was a sweet, kind, generous woman who survived many hardships in her life, from the loss of her parents at age 8 to the death of her daughter Linda, her husband Walter, and a much-loved mate, Robert Lyon," said her daughter, Karen Alexander.

Mrs. Alexander loved to travel and she and her daughter took a memorable trip to Switzerland to visit her parents' birthplace in 2000.

She was an also avid reader, animal lover, and gardener. She loved going to the beach, and spent many summers at Island Beach State Park in New Jersey.

Mrs. Alexander attended Christ Lutheran Church, Great Kills.

Walter, her husband of 28 years, died in 1974, and her daughter Linda died in 1962.

Along with her daughter, Karen, she is survived by a grandson.

The Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, is handling private arrangements, including burial in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.

Services: Private

Visitation:

Cemetery: Moravian Cemetery

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home