Esther Bowman Alexander, 102

October 23, 2024

Esther Bowman Alexander, 102, of Lititz, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024. Born in Quincy, IL, she was the daughter of the late Erwin and Emma (Kleemeyer) Cramm. She was predeceased by her first husband John R. Bowman in 1980, and her second husband William E. Alexander, Jr. in 2018.

As a young woman, Esther attended Western Illinois State Teacher’s College and the University of Iowa. She later obtained her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Millersville State College. She spent her career in the Manheim Township School District, first as an elementary school classroom teacher, then as a librarian at Milton Brecht School, where she served for 17 years. Before settling in Lancaster, she was employed by Trans World Airlines as one their first flight attendants. During her time with TWA, she was based in Kansas City and New York. She was an expert seamstress, and in her retirement an avid traveler, visiting many countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. She was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Esther is survived by her son, John R. Bowman, Jr. (Sandra Robishaw), three stepchildren: Joni Alexander (David Harwood), William E. Alexander, III (Diane), and Raymond Alexander (Joleen); 2 grandchildren: Dora Bowman (Mike Brown) and Daniel Bowman; six step-grandchildren, Ambri (Dane) Heimerman, Wesley (Stephanie) Alexander, Alyssa (Christopher) Good, Dannelle Alexander, Benjamin (Katelyn) Alexander, and Jadyn Alexander; ten step-great-grandchildren; and sister Charlotte Gaskill.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Esther will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 1 PM at Brethren Village Chapel, 3009 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 12 to 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Esther’s name to the Brethren Village Employee Gift Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543.