Natalie (Vukelich) Alexander

Natalie Alexander, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026 at home with family by her side.

Natalie was born August 16, 1936 to Mike and Mary (Smargie) Vukelich in Akron, Ohio, the second of five girls. She attended George Barber Elementary School, East High School and Hammel Business College. As a child, Natalie joined the Muriel Kelleher Dance Studio, which began a lifelong love of dance. She was a member of the kick line, called the “Junior Kelleherettes” and later studied tap and ballet throughout high school and beyond. At East High, she became captain of the cheerleading squad and was voted homecoming queen. She always liked to say that she won because she was “well liked, not popular.”

After business school, Natalie joined Excelsior Marking and later, Master Marking and Master Graphics, working nearly 50 years until her retirement in 2007. Not content with retirement, Natalie volunteered at Summa Hospital and joined the Summa Women’s Board in 2009 and was active until 2017, after which she was a sustaining member.

Natalie’s Serbian Orthodox culture was front and center in her life. A lifelong member of St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Akron, she spent much of her free time singing and dancing in the folklore group and spent weekends at different orthodox church dances throughout northeast Ohio, which is where she met her husband, Archie.

Combing her love of dance and Serbian culture, she spent decades teaching Serbian dancing (Kolos) to generations of Serbians, including her own children. In addition to dance, she was a member of Isidor Bajich church choir for over 50 years, traveling all over the United States to participate in singing festivals where she met lifelong friends. She served as treasurer for both the church and the choir and the Serbian Singing Federation formally recognized her for 50 years of dedication.

Throughout her years living in the Akron area, Natalie built lifelong friendships in her neighborhoods and participated in various clubs and leagues and attended all of her children’s school sports and activities. Until very recently, she loved to help organize monthly lunches for her lifelong Serbian friends at her favorite restaurant Belgrade Gardens.

Natalie is survived by her children Stephanie (John) Raleigh of Plano,TX and Thomas Alexander of New York City, NY; granddaughters Daryn and Maia Raleigh; sister Michalene (Ronald) Payok; sister Deborah (John) Safar and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family across the country who were dear to her.

Natalie is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years Archie; parents Mike and Mary(Smargie) Vukelich; infant son Peter Thomas Alexander; sister Pearl (Robert) Horton; sister Mary Ann (Glenn) Christian; brother-in-law Ronald (Michalene) Payok; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Vivian and Merle Beachy; nephew Donald Horton; and niece Karin Beachy.

We (Stephanie and Thomas) would like to extend our deepest appreciation and respect to the exceptionally kind and caring staff at Brookdale Montrose who, in a very short time, felt like family and will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Love you more. Thank you also to her care team at Summa at Home, as well as Summa Hospice for your support. We could not have asked for better, smarter, or more compassionate care during the last year and we wish we met you sooner.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 27, 2026 from 5 to 8pm at Anthony Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio where a Parastas service will take place at 7:30pm. Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, 2552 Pickle Rd., Akron, Ohio where the family will receive friends starting at 11am. Service will begin at 12pm. Internment at Mt. Peace Cemetery. Donations in Natalie’s memory may be made to St. Archangel Michael Serbian Church.