Mary Rexford, 96, Canton

CANTON - In loving memory of Mary Rexford, who peacefully departed this world at the age of 96 on December 2nd at United Helpers in Canton, New York. Born on May 1, 1927 in Canton to Clisson Everett and Jesse McClelland Brown, Mary spent her childhood on the outskirts of Canton where, as the third of four girls and one boy raised by a widowed father, she shared in the day-to-day challenges and joys of life growing up on a Depression-era farm. Even at an early age, Mary demonstrated her lifelong commitment to the community by also taking on the responsibilities of readying the one-room schoolhouse down the road on early Winter mornings by shoveling snow and building a fire in its wood stove.

On September 10th, 1949, Mary married the love of her life, Frederick Rexford, and together they raised and nurtured a large family, always being sure to impart the importance of kindness, compassion, honesty and fairness.

Mary is survived by five of her six children, Linda Khamsyvoravong (Phoummy, of Barrington, RI), Merideth Buxton (Don, of Royal Oak, MD), Alan Rexford (Brenda, of Canton), Kevin Rexford (Jean, of Daytona Beach, FL) and Clisson Rexford (Tricia, of Warren, NJ), as well as 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband and their beloved son, Brian Rexford, both of whom continue to be remembered fondly by all who knew them.

Mary graduated from Canton Central School and went on to earn her teaching credentials at Vermont Junior College and Potsdam State. Following the entry of her youngest child into grade school, Mary taught area children at the Russell Central School for several years. Mary enjoyed watching local college hockey games, travelling, playing golf and all sorts of parlor games, including bingo, dominos and cards. She was especially fond of making and teaching home crafts, with nearly all of the items that she knitted, crocheted, cross-stitched or sewed ending up as loving gifts to family and friends.

Mary will be remembered as someone who could always be counted on to bring warmth, brightness, compassion and comfort to any setting. The sincere hope that more people will find contentment and will get along with each other by recognizing the good in all of us occupied her thoughts right up until the moment that she passed.

A celebration of Mary's remarkable life will be held on December 16th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Lawrence Funeral Home in Canton. The family invites friends and loved ones to join in commemorating the life of this beautiful soul.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of Northern New York. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for the support that Mary received during her brief illness and for the condolences they received during this challenging time. Memories and messages of comfort can be shared on the Lawrence Funeral Home website. www.lawrencefuneralhome.org