Joan Alexander

Joan (Joanne) Marie Alexander, 71, of Iron Mountain passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Tues. Jan. 1, 2013, after a couragous two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Joan was born on March 26, 1941 in Kingsford, MI. to the late John and Vivian (Vanpae) Galeazzi. On August 6th, 1960 she married Ronald Alexander in Iron Mountain, MI. Together they raised seven children and were happily married for 42 years, until his passing in 2002. Joan's family was most important in her life. She loved Sunday Packer games, holidays, and any occasion that brought her family together. Joan enjoyed crossword puzzles, country music, collecting angels, playing card games and scrabble, she traditionally scratched two lottery tickets a day hoping to hit the big one. She loved fresh flowers and candles and made an awesome lasagna. Joan grew up in a large family of 12 children and passed on to her own children the value of family. Laughter was continuous in the Alexander household. Joan was a constant inspiration to her family with her strength and ability to keep smiling throughout her illness. The loss of Joan will be immense to her family. She will be sadly missed by four daughters, Roxanne (Scott) Murphy of Theresa, NY., Renee (Keith) Paquette of Iron Mountain, MI., Rose (Brian) Grailer of Kingsford, MI., and Rochelle (fiance Craig Spigarelli) of Iron Mountain, MI; two sons Roger of Green Bay, WI. and Robert of Iron Mountain, MI.; eleven grandchildren, Jesse and Michael Alexander, Michelle and Allyson Murphy, Amanda and Nick Paquette, Adam and Emily Grailer, Matt and Katie Vincent and Candace Alexander; one great-grandson Gage Murphy; two brothers, Albert and John Galeazzi; two sisters, Jackie Ebbens and Kaye Gardiepy. one brother in-law Wally Alexander. four sister in-laws Linda Galeazzi, Shirly Galeazzi, Sally Fleury and Babe Gardiepy; her beloved Dog, Toto; special friends Judy Lucas and Charles Wilber and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald (Bucko), and Richard Alexander;her mother and father-in-law Robert Alexander and Evelyn Tramontine.; four brothers, Jimmy, David, Joe, and Jerry Galeazzi and three sisters Jeannie Seberger, Midge Akstulewicz and Vicky Chiamulera. The family wishes to express a special thanks to Father Dan Zaloga, Jill Welty, Dr. John Loewen and his nursing staff, Dr. Bayer, Darcy, and the entire nursing staff of the Memorial Hospital Oncology Ward for their kind and tender care throughout Joan's illness. "Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear all my love around you soft and clear." Visitation will be Sat. from 10am-1pm at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at Sat. at 1pmat Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Father Daniel Zaloga will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of Joan Alexander can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Joan Alexander

March 26, 1941 - January 1, 2013