Columbia A. "Chris" (Tusi) Alexander

Columbia A. Alexander, lovingly known as “Chris”, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2016. Born in Wilmington, she was the daughter of the late Benedetto and Maria (Navarra) Tusi.

Chris was a longtime parishioner at St. Helena’s Catholic Church, where she was the cook and housekeeper at the Rectory for many years. She was also active with the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality  and cooked for the carnival and Christmas Bazaar. Prior to her work at St. Helena’s, she was the owner of Sam’s Delicatessen on Vandever Ave. and Pine St. for many years.

Family was the center of Chris’ life. She loved spending time with her family, especially Sunday Brunch with her daughter, her granddaughter and great-grandson and dinner with her grandson and his family. Chris was an amazing cook and loved making traditional Italian dishes, especially polenta and gnocchi. Aside from family, she enjoyed playing bingo and shuffleboard with her many friends at the Newark Senior Center. Chris was a huge Phillies fanatic and also enjoyed playing the penny slots at the casino.

Chris was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Russell Alexander; her daughter, Lena Jean Mooney; her parents; her brothers, August, Mike and Eddie Tusi, and her sister, Lena Brown. She is survived by her children, Edward M. Alexander of Lawton, OK, Richard F. Alexander of Independence, MO, Maryann Faulkner of Newark, DE, Anthony Alexander of Elkton, MD, Michael Alexander of Princeton, WV, and Thomas Alexander of Newark, DE; 20 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, whom she treasured in her heart, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 20 from 11 AM to 1 PM at St. Helena’s Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:30 PM. Entombment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 905 New Rd., Wilmington, DE 19805.

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