Alexandra Bellow

Alexandra Bellow, (née Bagdasar), 89, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at Northwestern University, passed away peacefully at home in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Alexandra was born in Bucharest to physician parents. She was proud of her parents’ work and highlighted their passion and commitment to their patients. Her mother, Florica Bagdasar (née Ciumetti), was a pediatric psychiatrist, and the first woman with a cabinet level position in Romania, serving as Minister of Health. Her father, Dumitru Bagdasar, is considered Romania’s father of neurosurgery. Alexandra continued with both their legacies of deep compassion and loving care. Interested in mathematics since childhood, Alexandra earned her M.S. in mathematics from the University of Bucharest in 1957, and her PhD from Yale University in 1959. She spent most of her career at Northwestern University until her retirement in 1996. Even in this male-dominated field, she was able to thrive. Alexandra’s early work involved properties and consequences of mathematical lifting theory. She was lauded for her contributions to analysis, particularly ergodic theory, along with measure theory, and for exposition resulting in practical value for statisticians and other scientists. Alexandra's mind was ever curious. Outside of her love of math, she also spent her retirement years continuously learning, with tutoring and lessons in the Spanish language, bible study, and Don Quijote de la Mancha, as well as always keeping up to date with world events. Learning was a way of life for her. When others spoke, Alexandra always listened closely, taking great care to understand, and always had investigative or philosophical questions to pose. She made sure that you felt heard, understood, and respected. She was a woman of few words, but when she had something to say, her words carried weight and wisdom. She was intelligent, yet the picture of humility with such a warm personality. She was independent, sharply funny, and had an unmatched playful and unique style. Alexandra enjoyed the company of artists and of interesting people. She loved treating visitors to The Art Institute of Chicago for lunch on the terrace and to see the latest exhibit. Dear cousin and dear friend Ileana Costea; cousin Katerina Kapitsakis; great-aunt and beloved godmother of Aristotelis (Deborah) Zournas; great-aunt of George (Chryssa) Zournas; and great-great-aunt of Thomas, Victoria, and Konstantinos Zournas. Loving stepmother of Daniel Bellow, Adam Bellow, Gregory Bellow, Mary Jo Calderón, Pablo (Eliana Levy-Spira) Calderon; step-grandmother of Miguel Levy, Eduardo and Alberto Calderon. Sister-in-law of Calixto Calderón (Jaqueline Crane). Alexandra was preceded in death by beloved husband Alberto P. Calderón. She was also preceded in death by her partner, Leonard Linsky, as well as former spouses Cassius Ionescu-Tulcea and Saul Bellow. She also leaves behind her dear friends Joanna Pinsky, Ellen Wright, Gabi Husz, Rodica Coroiu, Anouca Andrescault, Radu Nicolescuand, and reunites with dear friend Vivian Missner. Anyone who had the joy of having Alexandra in their life will never forget what unconditional love and kindness are. Alexandra's ashes will be scattered in her final resting place in Lake Michigan. Her home of the last 57 years overlooked the lake. She loved taking in its beauty, always remarking on how the lake was never the same, changing everyday. Friends and family are gathering at 11am (service begins 11:15am) on Saturday, May 17, outside the niche of Alexandra's beloved husband Alberto P. Calderón at Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum, 9900 Gross Point Rd., Skokie, 60076. Please enter off Skokie Blvd. Livestream the event here: https://www.asimplestreaming.com/abellow/ Reception to immediately follow at the Bellow residence on Sheridan Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Art Encounter (https://www.artencounter.org/). Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Alexandra Bellow

August 30, 1935 - May 2, 2025