Yesmin Alexander

Yesmin Alexander passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in Hughson, California. Born on December 8, 1954, in Basra, Iraq, she was the cherished eldest daughter of Yousip and Layla Alexander. She is survived by her loving mother, Layla; brothers, Alexander, Shaail, and Sargon Alexander; sister, Margaret Olivera; nephews, Andy Alexander and Daniel Kitchen; and nieces, Kristy Alexander, Tatiana Muñiz, and Kyana Alexander. She was preceded in death by her father, Yousip and her beloved uncle, Zoro Alexander. After the tragic loss of her father in a car accident when she was just 7 years old, Yesmin and her family found support in the home of her uncle Zoro. He instilled in her the importance of familial bonds — a lesson she passionately passed on to her godchildren. Although she did not have children of her own, Yesmin was a proud godmother to 12 and held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews, guiding them in acquiring life skills and valuing education. Yesmin’s thirst for knowledge was a hallmark of her character. She earned her engineering degree in Iraq and continued her education in the United States, attending Modesto Junior College classes after immigrating to Ceres, California, in 1978. With a career spanning over 40 years as a drafting technician, she blazed trails at VP and Cornerstone Building Brands, embracing early drafting technology. She was among the select few women in her workplace, navigating a typically male-dominated field. A voracious reader since childhood, Yesmin was often found dozing with a book draped across her face. Her love for literature was well-known in her community due to her decades-long volunteer work managing the Mar Addai Parish bookstore. There, she sold Assyrian religious and cultural texts with efficiency and warmth, a labor of love and a testament to her commitment to serving God and her community. Yesmin was also known for her skills in crafting, baking, and gardening. She was happy to share her expertise with all the children she knew and anyone eager to learn. Her handiwork earned her numerous best-of-show ribbons at the Stanislaus County Fair and a place in the California State Fair’s “County Fair Best of Show” competition. Yesmin had an indomitable spirit, always fighting for herself and for her loved ones. She was like a brightly burning torch — a comforting light, a warm guide, and a beacon of support. Yesmin’s absence leaves a void in our hearts, but we take solace in the warmth of our cherished memories of her, which will continue to inspire and guide us in the years to come.

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Yesmin Alexander

December 8, 1954 - October 26, 2023