Marsha Alexander

1938 - 2018

June 22, 1938 - September 30, 2018
Marsha Tina Alexander, 80, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in her home on September 30, surrounded by her family. Marsha was a Los Angeles native, born June 22, 1938 to her parents Harry and Sarah Silverman. Her mother had eleven brothers and sisters, and so Marsha grew up in a raucous, loving mob of cousins, aunts and uncles. They were all supportive and helped raise each other. This gave Marsha a fierce commitment to Family. When she later became a wife and mother, she instilled the same devotion to her own household. She wanted her kids to have the childhood she had enjoyed.
Marsha had a happy youth, especially her time at Hamilton High School. She was gregarious and popular, busy with student government and organizing Friday night dances. She worked as a camp counselor. Enchanted with children, she enrolled at Los Angeles Community College to study Early Childhood Education. Marsha then became a nursery school teacher. She was attractive and also became a model for L'Oreal.
Marsha got set up on a blind date and met dashing James Alexander, who became the love of her life. She was smitten instantly. They dated for an eternity - four years - before she forced him to marry her or break it off. They married on March 18, 1961, and they remained happily together until her passing.
Marsha and Jim had four children, Scott, Cara, Derek and Tim. She devoted her life to her family, finding immense satisfaction in childrearing. Marsha was happiest sitting on the floor with her kids, with construction paper and crayons, making art projects. Marsha was an excellent artist herself, skilled in painting, drawing and sculpture. But her joy was in sharing this special world with children. She was a constant presence in her kids' schools, bringing her positive energy and art-making to their classmates. All kids who knew her grew up in a creative world of dough art, batik, and watercolors.
Marsha gave unconditional love to Jim and the kids. She was kind, creative, a cheerleader to all. She volunteered her talents by painting whimsical wall murals all over the elementary school. When she was older, she painted murals at Children's Hospital, a gift which made her feel proud of what she could contribute.
Marsha and Jim bought a vacation house in Lake Arrowhead, as well as a half-ownership in a Winnebago. Many weekends were spent driving up and down the coast, the group of six always together. Endless trips were also made to Arrowhead, the family's second home. Friends were always welcome, and the lake house was filled with card games and laughing children.
Marsha loved cooking, casual and gourmet. Dinner party guests enjoyed all her experiments with international cuisine. Marsha was also very generous and open-hearted. The Alexander house was always open to those in need – and many friends and relatives spent time there. Always welcome. Always given a helping hand, without judgment. Marsha loved to help others.
Sadly, Marsha's life was not as carefree as it appeared to be. The later years were hard. Derek died in 2001, and Marsha suffered many medical problems which knocked the wind out of her sails. But she always had her family's support, and most especially, she had the enduring love of Jim. She also delighted in the smiling faces of her many grandchildren.
In May, Marsha was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She enjoyed her final time as much as she could. The highlight was an 80th birthday party, which was a wonderful final hurrah, a chance to see old friends. Until the end, she remained beautiful, inside and out.
Marsha was pre-deceased by her parents Harry and Sarah Silverman, her brother Alan, and her son Derek. She is survived by her husband James, her son Scott Alexander (Debbie), her daughter Cara Steinberg (Robert), her son Timothy Alexander (Aimee), and her nine grandchildren, Dietrich, Ryan, Casey, Lucas, Jeremy, Lily, Lexi, Amber, and Theo.
Services Sunday, October 7, at 12:30 PM at Mount Sinai Mortuary, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive. Reception to follow at the family home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The American Cancer Society.