She had a brother, Raymond J. Randall Creel Jr. After earning a bachelor's degree from Barnard College, Alexandra Creel studied at the Yale School of Forestry, enabling her to make informed decisions in managing the forests on Gardiner's Island.
[8]: 30–39 Due to disputes with her uncle, he declined to pay a share of the Island's upkeep — then more than $1 million per year.
[8]: 30–39 His distrust grew so great he tried finding a distant relative he could officially adopt, to inherit his share of the Island, who would oppose their plans.
In 1986, four years prior to their mother's death, her brother Raymond J. Randall Creel Jr., who had experienced health concerns, offered to sell his interest in Gardiner's Island to Alexandra and Robert.
[10] On September 7, 2000, the East Hampton Star described Alexandra Creel Goelet as being "estranged" from her uncle Robert David Lion Gardiner, who was then the heir to the estate.
They explained they weren't worried about the property's resale value, except that a rezoning that lowered its value would make government expropriation easier.