Alexis Saunders

Saunders, Alexis Morgan, 34, passed away in the loving arms of her mother on March 7, 2010 after battling brain cancer for almost five years. Alexis was born in Tampa and graduated from Berkeley Preparatory School in 1993 and Vanderbilt University in 1997. After working in New York City for six years as an advertising research analyst Alexis moved back to Tampa to pursue a master's degree in social work from the University of South Florida which she completed after she became ill. As one who felt actions speak louder than words, Alexis directed her life to the care and comfort of others as a social worker for Hospice. Always compassionate, Alexis rescued a starving, gravely ill, battered, broken and spiritless dog from the streets of Tampa four years ago. With tender care, Chester became a devoted companion. Always a gifted writer, soft-spoken and eternally positive, Alexis published three books of poetry in the last year of her life. Through these deeply personal explorations, she eloquently expressed her innermost passions, fears, loves and disappointments, as well asa�"typical of Alexis' concern for othersa�"expressions of gratitude to her parents and friends. Her poetry is a gift she leaves to us all. Surrounded with the love of those whose lives she touched, Alexis will be remembered by her family and many friends as a beautiful, courageous, loyal and strong-willed woman who never uttered an unkind word about anyone. Being in her presence, one strove to be a better person. Her loving and forever-devoted parents, Stephanie and Alan, survive Alexis. Also surviving are her aunt, Helene Kane; her uncle, Axel Aumuller, and several cousins. Her parents would like to express their deep appreciation to the medical personnel and many friends who cared for Alexis, and for their constant support and attention during her illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Tug McGraw Foundation, 1303 Jefferson Street, Suite 100B, Napa, CA. 94559 or the Humane Society, 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL. 33607. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Monday, March 8, 2010 (today) at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL.