Obituary of Mildred E. Saxton

Mildred Evelyn Thompson Saxton (Middie), 96, of Heritage Park, Jamestown, NY, died peacefully on November 23, 2020. She was the fourth daughter of Vergenia and Earle Thompson who lived in Bemus Point, NY. She was predeceased by her parents, her sisters Mary, WillaJune, and Betsey, and brothers Darwin and Vincent. Her husband of 64 years, Donald L. Saxton, died in 2016. She is survived by her sisters, Vergenia Partington of Palo Alto CA, Janice (Charles) Gugino of Bartow, FL and Nancy (Jesse) Connor of Knoxville, TN. She is also survived by her son David (Cindy) Saxton of Bemus Point and daughter Nancy (Peter) Saxton-Lopez of Ridgewood, NJ; her grandsons Christopher of Jamestown, NY and Aaron of Rochester, NY and granddaughters Sierra of Bemus Point, and Elisa Saxton-Lopez of Hoboken, NJ. Her great grandson, Greyson of Jamestown NY also survives her as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. Middie graduated from Bemus Point High School in 1943. She completed a teaching degree in Physical Education from Slippery Rock Teachers College in 1947. This led her to obtain a physical education teaching position in the Titusville PA school district. She left teaching to marry her husband Donald in 1951, joining him at the Saxton Mink Ranch in Bemus Point. Middie's favorite memories are of living with her sisters in the farmhouse in Bemus Point. Middie was an athlete, playing multiple sports such as field hockey during the war and life guarding on Chautauqua Lake in Bemus Point. She was competitive and strong-willed whether she was playing a board game, having a conversation or playing outdoor sports with the kids. Middie also was an artist, using paint, charcoal and pencil and created beautiful wood pieces. She loved to garden, bowl, play bridge and she and Don were accomplished dancers. But what Middie enjoyed most was music. In her earlier life she was part of a barbershop quartet with three of her sisters. She played drums, piano, organ and the French horn. She enjoyed listening to music and her favorites were classical, Ray Conniff, Fred Waring and the tunes of the big bands of the 40's. Most of all she cherished her grandchildren and loved every minute with them. Middie was a generous soul and was passionate about her beliefs and values that she held dearly. She respected every living being and this was evident when she painstakingly and tenderly would untangle newborn mink kits from hay and umbilical cords. In line with her beliefs she willed her body to the University of Buffalo Medical School for research. Donations may be made in Middie's memory to The Dementia Society of America, PO Box 60, Doylestown, PA 18901. 1 800 336 3684.