Marilyn J. Alexander

Marilyn J. Alexander of Milan, Michigan, died December 20, 2015, at age 91 of natural causes.  She was born in Paulding County, Ohio.  She graduated from Bryan High School in Bryan, Ohio, and Michigan State University with majors in music and Spanish.  She did post graduate work at several universities, including the National University in Mexico City, Mexico.  In 1947 she married Richard W. Alexander, and they had one daughter, Carol.   She taught languages and literature in junior and senior high schools in Deerfield and Britton, Michigan.  She also taught piano, and she was a church organist.  She was always interested in educating young people.  She enjoyed her travels across the U.S. and to places around the world. She was thankful to be independent and able to continue to care for her home and gardens until her death.   She was a resident of Milan for almost 50 years, and she enjoyed making a difference in the community and supporting community organizations.  She was honored to receive the Milan Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service award in 2013.  She was President of the Friends of the Milan Public Library.  She served as president of the Milan Woman’s Club for several years and helped the club recognize its 100th anniversary.  She was president of the Milan Music Study Club.  She was a member of the Peoples Presbyterian Church and Order of the Eastern Star.  She was a member of the 90th Bomb Group Veterans Association, an affiliation she maintained in memory of her husband.   She is survived by her daughter, Carol, and Kevin Carbary.  She is predeceased by her husband and her parents, Julius J. and Beatrice (Mettert) Beerbower.   A memorial service will be held at a later date when her cremains will be placed beside those of her husband, Richard W. Alexander, Lt. Col., USAF Ret., at Arlington National Cemetery.   Donations in her memory will be appreciated to the Milan Public Library, Milan, Michigan.  Her family would like to thank the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home for their care and business philosophy.