Alexis Ellen "Lexie" Malkin, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, died on April 14th, 2009 at the age of 59 after a 14-month struggle with brain cancer. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Rockville Center, New York, and a Marin County resident since 1974, she died peacefully while living with her brother Gary and niece Genevieve in Greenbrae, California. She leaves behind a loving community of friends and family that cannot imagine life without her. Her 85 year-old mother, Pearl Malkin, survives her, along with her devoted brothers, Stephen, Gary and Marc with his wife, Helen and her precious nieces Genevieve, Rebecca and nephew, David. In 1973, she received a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from the University of Arizona. She spent most of her life providing a welcoming place to gather at her previous home in Petaluma, while serving others in the fields of restaurants, design, and supporting young children. Wherever Lexie went, she awakened people to a deeper appreciation of beauty, to the astonishing innocence of animals, (especially the unabashed love of dogs), to the value of simple and delicious meals shared amongst friends, and to the importance of living life with authenticity and integrity. She was a lover of nature, of the ocean, of yoga, and of music, especially piano. She possessed a legendary instinct for finding treasures for loved ones at the local consignment stores, making their wardrobes the envy of all who appreciated great fabrics, classic lines, good taste and great deals. She was profoundly devoted to her family, never wavering in her commitment to loving them unconditionally. Scores of children and their parents from the pre-school she taught at in Mill Valley will also mourn her loss, remembering her as a shining light that will never be forgotten. Her poignant final words spoken to her nieces - before her tumor so cruelly took her speech away two weeks before her death was - "Be kind….". She is predeceased by her Russian-born father, Irving, who immigrated to America in 1922, and who instilled in her a deep connection and pride in her Jewish culture. The services, presided by Rabbi Lavey Derby of Congregation Kol Shofar, will be held on Monday, April 20th, at 11:30 AM at the Chapel at Fernwood Cemetery at 301 Tennessee Valley Road in Mill Valley, California. The burial will take place afterwards at Tel Shalom Cemetery at Rolling Hills Memorial Park in El Sobrante, California, with a reception following at the home of Fred and Trudie London in San Rafael, California. The family requests that in honor of Alexis' love of dogs, donations can be made to the Marin Humane Society by calling either Kath or Connie at 415 506 6231. To leave a personal Guestbook entry for the family, you can go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/lovingalexis. For information or to contact the family you can also call Mandel Funeral Services of Northern California at (866) 962-6335 or www.mandelfuneralservices.com.