Cecelia (Joy) Alexander

Cecelia Anne Alexander (née Joy) was a beautiful reflection of the face of God.  She lived her life with purpose and was called to many roles, excelling in each.  She was a dutiful, loving daughter and supportive sibling.  She had a passion for dance and the French language, was an earnest, lifelong student and a faithful, fun loving, wise friend.  In 1964, she became a devoted, loving spouse to Martin, a nurturing, strong mother and later, a revered grandmother.

In her career as a gifted elementary school teacher, she mentored numerous students, colleagues, and even her own family.  She was a role model and lived her faith as a devout Roman Catholic, inspiring many to convert to the Catholic faith.  A friend and co-worker at her former home parish and workplace, St. Anthony of Padua in Washington D.C., indicated that Cecelia’s spirit was woven into the tapestry and fabric of the school and parish.  In more recent years, she was a parishioner and enjoyed worshiping at Our Lady of Grace in Leisure World, Maryland.    

Cecelia touched countless people and critically shaped how they navigated life.  Her intentions were pure and honest.  Her words were said with conviction, infused with wisdom and spiritual inspiration.  She shared the gift of her spirit freely and gracefully.  She accomplished feats that seemed impossible, all the while supporting those around her, knowing that with God all things are possible.  We are all better people for having known and loved her.  

Her legacy clearly lives on in all those she touched.  She was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Martin in 2003 and is mourned and survived by her eight children, twenty-one grandchildren, one great grandchild and eight of her twelve siblings.

We appreciate and recognize the significant connection that so many of you had with our mother.  Unfortunately, due to COVID prevalence and to mitigate risk for vulnerable individuals, the viewing and Funeral Mass will be private, limited to family. 

A recording of the funeral Mass will be available Friday evening at the following website. This is a public page, you do not need a Facebook account - https://www.facebook.com/StJosephLargo/

If you are a Facebook subscriber, please check back for a link to Facebook livestream option. 

For Family who will be attending, Visitation will begin at 10am on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 15663 Norbeck Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20906; where the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am.  Interment on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, Mass intentions are welcomed (The Alexander Family; PO Box 2031; Boise, ID 83701). Donations in her name could be made to one of the following: St. Anthony's Catholic School, www.stanthonyschooldc.org, 3400 12th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, (202) 526-4657; or to the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth NJ, bensisnj.org, 851 N. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208, (908) 352-4278; or to Elms College, 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee,

Donations

St. Anthony's Catholic School
3400 12th Street, NE, Washington DC 20017
Tel: 1-202-526-4657
Web: https://www.stanthonyschooldc.org/give

Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, NJ
851 N. Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ 07208
Tel: 1-908-352-4278
Web: https://www.bensisnj.org/donate

Elms College
291 Springfield Street, Chicopee MA 01013
Tel: 1-413-594-2761
Web: https://www.elms.edu/alumni/support-elms/make-a-gift/