Obituary of Doris Jeanne Shade Saxty

Jeanne passed peacefully at home on February 1st, 2023 surrounded by her loving family (Saxty, Maroti, Hall and Pelicier) in Lehigh Acres, FL at the age of 93.  She was preceded in death by her husband Ken, survived by her children Sandra Dawn Maroti (Ed), Raymond Michael Saxty, Lori Saxty, Chris Saxty (Lori), Joanne Saxty-Nolte (Dale) and preceded in death by daughter Karen Saxty-Fortunato.  Siblings, preceded in death Sonny Shade (Carlene), Steven Shade (Theresa), Charlene Cumberland (William), Ruth Schrenzel (John), Teresa Fortunae (Richard) & Mary Lou Ensley (Gale); survived by brother Kim Shade. She had 6 children, 12 grand kids, 29 great-grand kids and 13 great-great-grandkids and many nieces and nephews.

 Jeanne was a trail blazer, along with her sisters, who left their family farm in Palmyra, MO in the 40s to Washington, DC where she began her career working for the Government (Depts of Treasury, Education, Health & Human Services and finally the VA in St. Pete, FL) for 30 years. She married her sweetheart, Ken, in 1953 and raised her children in the MD, DC and Northern Virginia area then retiring in Lehigh Acres, FL. Although Jeanne never truly retired, she worked in her son in-law’s business, managing the office, files and phones well into her 80s.  

 She was a dedicated wife, mother, grand, great and great-great grandmother not only to her family but extended family.  Always a hard worker that taught us the value of family, faith, truth and always to be honest, hardworking, good people.  Hands-on grandmother to many, offering advice whether wanted or not, rocked and cared for her kids through sickness and life challenges, changing diapers well into her 90s. An excellent cook, avid reader, but her biggest joy was being surrounded by her family, enjoying her home-cooked meals, family vacations or just movie nights.  We always joked she didn’t have a sense of humor, because it was a bit dry, but she always encouraged us to be the best and she really did have a tremendous sense of humor. She was a mentor to her children and grandchildren and their friends, who knew the door was always open, no matter time of day or night. On any given night you could find her in bed with her daughter, son or grandkids who would stop by after work to share their day or just to rest their head, share a meal or just be close. She provided stability and comfort to all who needed it.

 She was deeply loved by all who got the opportunity to meet and spend time with her.  Jeanne was never one to mince words, but often ended calls with loved ones by saying “get to the drs”, “get to the dentist”, “save your money” and “I love you too!”.