Sylvia Marie Alexander, 88, passed sweetly and safely into the arms of Jesus at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Her family was blessed by God’s mercy at the swift passing three days after receiving a cancer diagnosis. No more pain, no more tears.

Sylvia was born in Goldendale, Wash., on Nov. 2, 1923, to Chester and Marie (Mack) Young. Sylvia married the love of her life Lester Eugene (Gene) Alexander on Feb. 14, 1942, in Redding, Calif. Sylvia loved learning and shared her passion for education as a school teacher for 33 years.

She moved to Post Falls in 2004 where she attended Real Life Ministries and was an active volunteer for several years. She loved reading her Bible, sharing her faith and her love of family and God’s creation. She had a passion for reading and writing poetry, was an avid Scrabble player and loved sailing and travel.

She is survived by her two daughters, Genette and husband Bill Gabica of Bayview, and Dixie and husband Vince Brewer of Coeur d’Alene; eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Pat Young of Palm Desert, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Gene; son Edward Alexander; and brothers, Robert and Eugene Young.

Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28, 2012, at Coeur d’Alene Homes, 624 West Harrison, Coeur d’Alene. Burial will at the Desert Lawn Cemetery in Palmdale, Calif. Memorials in her name may be made to Coeur d’Alene Homes or Hospice House of North Idaho.

English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign Sylvia’s guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.