Patricia “Pat” Bayly Alexander, 96, passed away on July 29, 2026. Born in Clearwater, Florida, Pat was the beloved daughter of Taver and Eloise Bayly and the niece of Tampa’s famed Dale Mabry. She graduated from the University of Florida in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
After college, Pat married Richard “Dick” Alexander, beginning a partnership marked by adventure, curiosity, and learning. As the wife of a private pilot, she embraced the skies herself, learning to fly at the Clearwater Airpark—a reflection of her independent spirit. She traveled with her family to Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-ins across the country.
Pat raised three children and lived a life rich with interests and community involvement. She loved sailing, reading, painting, gardening, and exploring her family’s story through genealogy. Cooking for her family was one of her greatest joys, and her kitchen was a place of warmth, tradition, and culinary exploration.
She gave generously of her time as a Girl Scout leader, nursery school teacher, and as a volunteer at the YES Camp in Wimauma, Florida, shaping young lives with patience and kindness. With the Friends of the Little Manatee River, she helped defeat a maximum-security prison proposal near the river. The land was instead designated for preservation through the Hillsborough County ELAPP program.
Later in life, Pat found both energy and serenity in TaiChi, becoming a longtime enthusiastic member of the TaoistTaiChiSociety of Brandon. She was employed for several years at PanAmerican Seed in Parrish as a customer service representative.
Pat will be remembered for her curiosity, her gentle strength, and her love of animals and nature.
Patricia is survived by her three children, Susan Bishop, Katherine Oliver, and Stuart Alexander along with spouses; her grandsons, Jesse Bishop and Calvin Bishop and spouses; her sister Phyllis Jones; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Alexander, and her sister, Ann Cornett, as well as her parents.
How rich she made life for me and so many others. I loved her dearly and will miss her so very much. We shared many trips with Sister Ann and also cousin Sue Bayly.
Pat will always be remembered with such fondness by this family. She was a kind mother-in-law to my brother, Rickie, hence how we met their family. She welcomed us into her home for many years. Hospitality was one of her spiritual gifts.
Pat had such a gentle demeanor that it was easy to be attracted to her. She loved to share memories especially about her kin folk and what it was like growing up in old Florida.
My family will remember you fondly, Pat. And I will personally treasure the many wonderful memories I have of you on Sandsfoot Farm.