Ann Alexander left charitable legacy in Culver City

In literature, water is often used as a contextual symbol, evoking power or influence. Dr. Hyder Zahed, an author from India, says it can be viewed as a symbol of love.

Both of these sentiments were on display at Temple Akiba on Aug. 8 during a celebration and dedication of a new water sculpture to long-time resident Ann Alexander. She was joined by her daughters Kim, Karen and Deborah as well as approximately 70 well-wishers at the ceremony, which also coincides with the temple’s remodeling

Along with the sculpture, the remodeling is expected to be completed in approximately three weeks, said temple member Michael Bauer.

It was to be the last public appearance for Alexander, known to her friends as “Andy.”  In poor health since she was diagnosed with leukemia several years ago, she passed away on Aug. 12 at 7:15 a.m., said her daughter Kim.

“We knew that she was not doing well so we had to rush to get it ready for the dedication. We knew that this would be the only time that she would get a chance to see [the water feature],” said Bauer, a friend of the Alexanders.

The force behind the creation of the Culver City Youth Center (now the Sandy Segal Youth Health Center), Andy Alexander was a co- president emeritus of the center, along with Culver City resident Diana Hauptmann. The center provides free health care to Culver City students.

Kim Alexander, whose father was former Culver City Parks Commissioner and city councilman Richard Alexander, said her mother was moved into hospice care on Aug. 10, two day after the dedication. The president and founder of the California Voter Foundation in Sacramento, Kim Alexander said seeing so many of her family’s friends at the ceremony reminded her of the impact that her parents made on so many lives.

“It was really wonderful to know that a part of our parents will always be a part of Culver City,” she said.

The Culver West Park Alexander Park is named in honor of her father, who passed away in 2004.

Bauer called Andy Alexander a “rock of Gibraltar” and remembered her for her charity work and her tenacity. “Andy was such an inspiration to us all. Whenever she saw a cause that she was dedicated to she didn’t stop supporting it was achieved,” said Bauer, who spoke at the dedication.

In 1986, in the face of opposition to clinics serving high school students offering contraceptive services by then – Los Angeles Catholic Archbishop Roger Mahoney, Ann Alexander spoke in favor of creating the health clinic. As a member of a Culver City Unified School District advisory committee, she told school district officials and opponents to the proposed clinic offering contraceptive services that students should be required to submit permission slips from their parents, which would strengthen parental authority.

“Maybe if parents talk a little more with their children we won’t have the problems that we have today,” Alexander said in a story reported by the Los Angeles Times

Today, the Sandy Segal Youth Health Center offers reproductive care services, including prenatal care and contraceptive services.

Kim Alexander said two of the enduring lessons in the Alexander home were public service and that it was not enough just to be kind— the Alexander daughters were taught to go the extra mile.

“One of my mom’s favorite axioms is from [Star Wars Jedi Master] Yoda: ‘Do or do not. There is not try,’” she recalled.

As it was the last time that most of her friends would see her mother in public, Kim Alexander was grateful for the turnout at the dedication.  “It was amazing to see the community of friends surrounding my mom and it reminded me how special Culver City is. Even though my mom was in failing health, [the outpouring of support] was unexpectedly uplifting,” she said.

A memorial service for Ann “Andy” Alexander will be held at 10 a.m. on Aug. 14 at Temple Akiba, located at 5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking to please consider making a tax-deductible donation in her honor to Temple Akiba, www.templeakiba.net. or the recently renamed Sandy Segal Youth Health Center, sandysegalyouthhealthcenter.org.

Gary Walker contributed to this story.