Mary Lou Alexander

Mary Alexander, a devoted wife, beloved mother, and lifelong advocate of education, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 88. She was born on January 18, 1935, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and was raised in Alva, Oklahoma.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Carl Alexander. Together, they created a strong and loving family. She is also survived by her three children: Dawna (Johan Hörnell) Alexander, Debra (Robert) Schnedler, and David (Michelle) Alexander. Mary was a source of inspiration and support for her children, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and providing them with a nurturing environment in which to grow.

Mary was a doting grandmother to Alex Schnedler, Amanda (Niklas Johansson) Hörnell, Michael (Stephanie) Schnedler, Emma Hörnell, Guido Alexander, and Isabella Alexander. She took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren, sharing her wisdom and love with each of them. Mary was also blessed with great-grandchildren Landon and Liam Schnedler, and Wilgot Hörnell.

Mary is also survived by her two loving sisters, Martha Stephenson and Vesta Edwards, who will remember her fondly and carry on her memory.

A woman of great intellect and determination, Mary was a firm believer in lifelong education. She understood the value of knowledge and actively pursued it throughout her life. After college she married and started a family with her high school sweetheart Carl Alexander. When his studies took the family to Manhattan, Kansas, she continued her education and earned a master’s degree in linguistics. She did this, while managing a relocation, raising three children under the age of 6 and teaching English as a second language in her spare time.

The next move led them to Minnesota. Once there, Mary settled into a challenging new lifestyle with two professional, hard-working parents raising three lively children with no local family support systems in place.

Mary's passion for education extended beyond her own pursuits. As an English teacher, she made a significant impact on the lives of her students, earning their respect and admiration. During her time in Minnesota, she introduced an innovative interdisciplinary course, blending English, Social Studies, and Science into a comprehensive learning experience. This unique approach exemplified Mary's creativity and dedication to providing her students with a well-rounded education.

Driven by her desire to make a difference in the field of education, Mary pursued graduate studies in educational administration. Presented with a remarkable career opportunity, she accepted the role as a junior high school principal. In this position, she spearheaded the implementation of the middle school concept, revolutionizing the educational landscape in her district. Her commitment to equality, education, and social justice earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues, students, and the community at large.

Mary’s unwavering dedication to education, her compassion for others, and her commitment to equality will forever be remembered. She leaves behind a family who will cherish her memory and strive to live up to the example she set. May she rest in peace, knowing that her life's work has touched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on the world.