Submitted by: John C. Monk

Ethelmae Alexander

Aug. 23, 1921 - July 31, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Ethelmae Alexander, 88, passed away in Regency Place on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. Ethelmae was born on August 23, 1921, in South Bend, to the late Everett and Dorothy (Zimmerman) Hoadley. She graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1938 and lived her entire life in River Park. On September 28, 1946, she married Laymon "Alex" Alexander, who survives. Along with her husband, Alex, survivors include her two daughters, Linda (John) Bamber of South Bend and Brenda (Michael) Downey of South Bend; seven grandchildren, Lisa (Tim) Hankins, Tony (Jessica) Bamber, Nick (Tana) Bamber, Sean (Jill) Downey, Kevin (Angee) Downey, Ryan (Heather) Downey and Erin (Jeff) Fox; and seven great-grandchildren, Jack, Brett, Morgan, Addison and Jake Downey, and Grace and Aubrey Bamber. Ethelmae was a lifelong member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She worked as a waitress at the former Robertson's Department Store and Hudson's Department Store. She especially enjoyed volleyball, singing in the church choir, and spending time with her family. Her home was always warm and welcoming to family, friends and strangers. Ethelmae was a loving mother and grandmother who will be missed dearly by her family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 805 S. 29th Street, South Bend. Rev. Steve Latzke will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3rd, in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, and from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday in the church. The family would like to thank the staff at the Center for Hospice Care and the staff at Regency Place for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ethelmae Alexander may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.