Alexandra Lily Hinks, or “Owl” to her family and close friends, was a funny, outgoing and charismatic soul. She earned the nickname “Owl” early in life, after her older sister mispronounced her name as “Owlexandra.”

“She was always trying to do the right thing, the honorable thing and charitable thing,” a friend recounts. 

Born in London, England, to Victoria and Paul Hinks, Alexandra grew up joyfully alongside her older sister, Robin Hinks. She led her life with kindness, empathy and deep attentiveness for those around her. When she was younger, Alexandra’s mother recognized her loving spirit through her extensive care toward her baby dolls, childhood pets and numerous school awards for her kindness and playful outlook on life. Alexandra loved her little white terrier, Lucy, going so far as to take off Lucy’s collar each night because she wanted her to be comfortable while she slept. 

Alexandra treasured her childhood and enjoyed musical theater, singing and dancing alongside her family.

“She asked me what I wanted for Mother’s Day, and I said, ‘just something lovely and creative.’ She memorized at 10 years old all the lyrics to ‘Hamilton,’” Victoria Hinks said. 

 Alexandra’s loving nature extended to many parts of her life, as she routinely volunteered with her mother at the Saint Anthony Foundation to serve food to the unhoused and enjoyed working with young children at her primary school. Alexandra hoped to be a preschool teacher and a mother when she was older, reflective of her disposition to care and protect others; someone who never put others down and “killed with kindness,” as a friend remembers. 

Alexandra’s warmth and presence were felt by everyone around her. Her laughter was infectious, always paired with her signature bright smile. 

“You could just feel [the joy], and she felt so happy to be around. That doesn’t mean she was always happy; it was just that when you were around her, you felt good,” a close friend and fellow cross-country runner said. 

Alexandra radiated the sunshine she basked in, and was “in her element when she was out in nature, with water [and] being outside,” a friend said. Alexandra loved sunsets, especially when she could see them with her friends, who now remember her through the colors of the sky, especially the pinks, which were her favorite.

Alexandra’s interests reflected the joy she brought into the world. Alexandra loved the show, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” the movie, “The Florida Project,” and cooking meals and desserts for her family to try. She often attended movie screenings at her mother’s workplace and enjoyed her mother’s homemade lasagna. 

To honor her daughter, Victoria Hinks gets an owl design on her thumbnail each time she gets her nails done, and the Hinks have a sparkling pink Christmas tree that they’ve kept up all year, decorated with owls and other trinkets from each holiday spent with Alexandra.

“I wear pink every day. I have my pink bracelets, or I’ll wear a pink shirt, and I have pink everywhere in my room–pink bows, pictures of her, anything that slightly reminds me of her,” a friend said. 

Alexandra will be remembered for her ability to love fiercely, choose kindness and spread her light to those around her, always inspiring people to see the best in themselves and others.