Obituary of Elizabeth Alexander

Alexander, Elizabeth Janet May 3, 1920- October 18, 2015 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Elizabeth Janet, born May 3, 1920 on the family farm near Wallace, Sask. She spent her formative years in Yorkton with parents Mary (Kittman) and John Drysdale, and her five siblings Alex, William, Florence, Fred, and Evelyn (All previously deceased). She attended Burke School and graduated from Yorkton Collegiate. As a student she was noted for her high proficiency in math and science. An avid hockey player, she could out skate the boys. A member of the Yorkton Women's Hockey team she scored so many goals per game that she'd be benched as opposing teams refused to play against her. She attended Normal School in Regina. While teaching in rural Saskatchewan in 1945 she met and married James Watchman Alexander (deceased). They had two children Jeanne (Ernest), and Geri (Gary). Mom moved to Saskatoon in the mid 1950's working as a caregiver and later as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Saskatoon City Hospital until her retirement in 1986. A consummate caregiver she took pride in her work receiving many commendations from patients and colleagues. She also leaves to mourn daughter Laurel, grandchildren Mary, James, Alexa, Brolin, and Rhiannon, and great-grandchildren, James, Daniel and Livya plus nieces, nephews and friends. Mom was an avid life-long learner blessed with an insatiable curiosity. She took correspondence courses and attended many academic and special interest classes. After retirement she took 70 university classes. To the end she maintained an active interest in current events. Mom, a world traveller, met many people maintaining friendships through time and distance often communicating via letters in her beautiful handwriting. Resourceful and resilient, she overcame many obstacles maintaining a positive outlook as well as a sense of fun and adventure. Despite her compromised health during her last years she stayed in her own home with the assistance of Home Care and support volunteers. We thank those many individuals for their contribution to her quality of life. A first generation Canadian, Mom valued her citizenship with its inherent rights and responsibilities. She participated in many civil organizations. In the late 1940's she ran for the presidency of the Liberal Party of Saskatchewan. Until her death she regularly attended the Canadian Club of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism Century Club. She was quite delighted by the stimulation they afforded. She was equally delighted to dress up in in her signature hats, gloves, jewellery and other finery. Mom's deep and abiding faith in God "the rampart of her soul" sustained her throughout her long life. Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to the Royal University Hospital Emergency and Neurological staff for their compassionate care and support. Thanks as well to all staff for making a difficult time less stressful. A donation to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.