Joyce F. Alexander

Alexander, Joyce F. 91 Nov. 16, 1922 - Feb. 8, 2014 Joseph T. Alexander Nov. 3, 1917 - Jan. 31, 2014

They were together almost 70 years, and they died eight days apart. Joseph T. Alexander, 96, died Jan. 31, 2014, of natural causes at a local hospital. Joyce F. Alexander, 91, succumbed to Alzheimer's disease at her home on Feb. 8, 2014. They were both surrounded by family when they passed. Joe and Joy met during WWII in Sydney, Australia, where he was a 1st Sergeant in the U.S. Army and she was a radio and stage actress with the Australian Broadcasting Company. Joy left Sydney on a Naval ship for passage to San Francisco, and the two were married Sept. 17, 1945, on the Oregon Coast. The couple's married life was spent in Portland, Ore., and in Sydney, Australia. They had three children, daughters Gail F. and Tina M. Alexander, who survive them; and William A., who died in 1979. Joe and Joy will be remembered by many as the owners of Parkview Market, at North Ainsworth/Albina, from 1954 to 1966. They also enjoyed family time on Lake Merwin in Woodland, Wash., where they owned a home. Joe was born Nov. 3, 1917, in Tabor, Iowa. After the war, he spent his career as a newspaper editor, small business owner and manager at United Grocers. Joy was born Nov. 16, 1922, in Sydney, Australia. She worked with her husband managing their grocery. The couple retired in 1980. The Alexanders shared a spirit of adventure and a love of travel. Joe loved to fish, and was an avid sports fan. He was also active in HOA boards. Joy collected antiques and enjoyed golf, theater, ballet and opera, and embraced her large circle of friends. Joy's message to us all was "You work hard now and make a success of your life; always tell the truth; be honest, kind and fair; and be faithful to your country - and proud." Family members are planning a memorial this spring or summer in Ariel, Wash., at Lake Merwin. They suggest remembrances to veterans' organizations or to the charity of your choice. In addition to their daughters, Joe and Joy are survived by their grandson, Joshua A. Alexander; Rick Thornton, husband to Tina Alexander; and by Joe's sister, Anne Alexander Converse.