Marjorie Keim Alexander

Marjorie Keim Alexander Resident of Lafayette Passed away peacefully at her home in Lafayette on November 20, 2010 after a long, full life, at the age of 101. Born February 19, 1909 in Washington, D.C., beloved daughter of Alfred and Alma Keim, she blossomed early, excelling in school and becoming an accomplished pianist, giving her first well attended recital at age 10. She went on to attend George Washington University on full scholars-hip, graduating in library science. Marjorie began her working career at the Library of Congress and then became the first female librarian at the United States Supreme Court. While working at the Library of Congress, Marjorie met her future husband Albert E. Alexander. They wed in 1935, and she began her life's calling as a talented and loving homemaker while he worked as an architect for the National Park Service. Seeking further opportunity, the couple moved to California in 1941, settling in Alameda. Albert moved to private practice, and Marjorie worked for the Rationing Board during the war. It was there that they expanded their family to include two sons, Robert Michael and Thomas Edward. In 1950 the family moved to their beloved new home in Lafayette, designed by Albert, where she would enjoy the final 60 years of her life. Marjorie enjoyed her family and many friends, and was active in community service through her church, St. Anselm's in Lafayette, working in the altar guild, and with Youth Homes, Inc., of Walnut Creek. She was a founding member of her neighborhood bridge group, playing actively to the end. In her mid-life, Marjorie enjoyed golf with friends at Round Hill Country Club and explored the world via numerous foreign travels with family and friends to Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. Always busy, Marjorie also loved reading, music (a long time subscriber to the San Francisco Symphony), dance ( San Francisco Ballet), a good drama, the card game "misery", Jeopardy, crossword puzzles, and chocolate. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband Albert and sister, Elizabeth K. Peeling of Rockville, Maryland. Marjorie is survived by her two sons, Robert of Lafayette, CA and Thomas and his wife Karen, of Tehama County, CA, granddaughter Kathryn Marjorie of Phoenix, AZ, niece Teresa James of Lakewood, CA, and nephew Bruce Peeling, Jr. of Hagerstown, MD. Marjorie will be deeply missed by family and friends who love her, and will always be remembered with great affection. Marjorie will be interred beside her beloved husband Albert at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Anselm's Episcopal Church in Lafayette. A reception will be held at the church following the service. Contributions in Marjorie's honor may be made to Youth Homes, Inc., St. Anselm's Episcopal Church in Lafayette, the American Red Cross, or the San Francisco Symphony.