We mourn the loss of a longtime friend and member of our club, Elaine Saxen. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.
Elaine's son, David, wrote a lovely tribute to his mother, and would like to share it with all of us.
Dearest Friends of Elaine,
I am both sorry and relieved to report that my dear mother, Elaine Saxen, peacefully passed away yesterday evening, 5 days short of her 78th birthday. As most of you know, in August of 2018 she was diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer and given 2 to 3 years to live. In January 2019, she sold her house in Denver, downsized, and moved to the Seattle area to be closer to me and my family.
Throughout her illness and decline, her resilience, stubbornness, and determination to continue living on her own terms were remarkable. She remained upbeat, positive, good-humored, and imperturbable as she endured brain surgery, weathered chemotherapy and whole brain radiation treatments, overcame West Nile Virus, rode out the pandemic, and ultimately lost her mobility and cognition. Here in the Northwest, she continued to take care of and even show two Old English Sheepdogs, Whitney and Reba, attended her grandsons’ basketball and Ultimate Frisbee games, and went out to movies and lunches with her incredibly supportive Northwest friends until the pandemic hit and she could no longer walk.
As her condition deteriorated over the last few months, the joy of life receded too, so her passing is a blessing and relief. If there is a doggy heaven, complete with whelping boxes, grooming tables, and dog show rings, she is on her way there. Know that she had genuinely caring and compassionate caregivers, was as comfortable as possible, and experienced minimal pain.
I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for the kindness and support many of you have given her (and me) on this journey. You have been such amazing, steady, and loving friends. Know that your love buoyed and comforted her to the end.
While Elaine was technically Jewish, she was not particularly spiritual or religious in practice, so I do not foresee having a formal memorial service for her but rather an informal remembrance or gathering of friends, maybe even at a dog show, which is what I am mulling both here in the Northwest and in Colorado this fall. Please let me know if you have thoughts on this.
Please feel free to share this news with other friends and acquaintances who were may not have been included on the email.
The Board will discuss a way to honor Elaine's memory. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share.
Email fluffyherders@gmail.com
