Maria Alexander

Maria Grazia Perrino Alexander died at her residence in Davis, California on February 3, 2024 following a stroke at the age of 100 and nine months.  Maria was born and grew up in Italy, the youngest and last survivor of seven siblings.  She lived in Rome during the Second World War and met Robert Alexander, an American military glider pilot, at the end of the war.  They were married in Rome and moved to San Jose, California in 1947.  Maria worked as the primary purchasing agent for Santa Clara County until her retirement.  In 1980 she and Robert moved to Texas to be close to her sister, Mercedes, also a war bride, and in 1994 they moved to Davis after Mercedes, her husband and their two children had all moved to California.
Maria had no children, but she was deeply loved by her large and ever-growing circle of friends.  In addition to being a passionate fan of opera and cats, she never lost her love for her native Italy.  For many years she and Robert traveled there every year to their summer home overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  She and Robert also traveled the world together, and she continued to travel abroad with her friends even after Robert’s death in 2012.  Her sense of humor, her love of learning, and her positive outlook on life stayed with her until the end.  Just a few days before her death, she was playing bridge regularly as well as taking Spanish language classes.  Her unflagging energy kept her active and alert throughout her life.
Maria is survived by her nephew Eric and his wife Catalina, her niece Jeanine and spouse Judy, a host of friends in Davis, and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews in Italy.  A Celebration of Life will be held for Maria at Atria Covell Gardens in Davis on Saturday, March 23, at 2:00 pm.