Nancy Alexander

Nancy Alexander, affectionately known as “Bird,” age 61, passed away May 24 at her home in Southold surrounded by family, caregivers and friends.

Nancy was born in Binghamton, N.Y., on October 26, 1949. She graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1967 and Marywood College in 1971, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics. She received Permanent Certification in Home Economics in 1975 and Permanent Certification in Elementary Education in 1978.

Nancy taught in the Newfield, Southold and Riverhead school districts. She recently enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summers on the North Fork of Long Island and Shelter Island since retiring from teaching in June 2005.

Nancy is survived by her longtime, devoted love, Skip Tuttle from Shelter Island, and very dear friends Carol Taplin and Edna Terry of Southold. She also leaves a sister, Elaine Stone of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and a brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Connie Alexander of Vestal, N.Y. She has two nephews, Jason and Eric Alexander, and three nieces, Lori Stone Vickery, Marcy Stone and Corinne Alexander Cole. Nancy leaves many close friends in Southold and Shelter Island and numerous teacher friends who were all like family to her.

Nancy was quick to laugh and always ready with a joke or a humorous tale. She had a talent for turning junk into treasure. Her creativity was evident in the many gifts given to friends and family throughout her adult life. The word “eclectic” was often used to describe Nancy due to her varied interests. Hobbies included sewing, cooking, crafts, designing, reading, organizing clam bakes and events — a real “Jack of All Trades”!

Nancy had a sensitive, kind and generous manner that will live on in the hearts of those she held dear. Her students remember her as someone who could make learning fun and interesting, yet she expected them to work hard and maximize their potential.

Nancy’s family and friends are indebted to the loving, dedicated, attentive caregivers who were with Nancy and Skip on their six-month journey with ALS.

The family received friends on May 28 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Riverhead School District, Nancy Alexander Scholarship Fund, 700 Osborne Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901 or the Shelter Island School District, Nancy Alexander Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2015, Shelter Island, NY 11964 would be appreciated.

This is a paid notice.