Barbara Eve Alexander Close, wife, mother, friend and proud grandmother peacefully passed at home in Winter Park, Florida on June 10, 2026 after a nearly 5 year battle with cancer and 2 weeks shy of her 56th wedding anniversary.

Barbara was born October 19, 1949 in Miami, FL and was the daughter of Dr. Taylor and Edith Alexander. She was a graduate of Florida State University in 1970 with a degree in Math Education. She taught high school math in Escambia County and Orange County. She also spent considerable time as a tutor to students.

She was an avid collector of antiques and a member of several Doll Collector Clubs in Florida where she had numerous friends in the collecting world. She was always willing to help others in their time of need. Barbara loved road trips especially out west, and the Great Smokey Mountains. When asked what concerned her most she replied “Zoey” her dog. She said Zoey helped her immensely during her treatment. As she fought cancer, she did so with dignity and without complaints.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Jeff, Winter Park and daughter Kathryn Heyden (Jake Heyden) and grandchildren Colton and Lucas of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is preceded in death by her son, Charles.

At Barbara’s request a Celebration of Life will be arranged in the near future. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society.