Nadine Longshore Axtell, 87, formerly of Canton

Nadine Longshore Axtell, 87, of Deland, FL died Monday, November 14, 2011 at her home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Canton with Pastor Donna Doig officiating.

Calling hours will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Canton.

She was born January 16, 1924, in Pyrites, daughter of Lindon and Agnes C. (Powers) Smith. She graduated from Canton High School, attended Michigan State University and later graduated from Canton ATC with her Associates Degree.

On October 7, 1943 she married Miles S. Longshore at the Canton Methodist Church with Rev. Doby as celebrant. Big Mike died February 13, 1978. She later married William B. Axtell at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dick Stone as celebrant. Mr. Axtell died in June of 2002.

Surviving are a son, Scott Longshore of Deland, FL; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary L. (Kenneth P.) Garwood of Canton; a daughter-in-law, Judith Rasback Longshore of Canton; a brother, Lindon Smith of Canton; seven grandchildren, Kelly (Patrick) Smith of Canton, Kelly (Walt) Schofield of Verona, Amy (Tim) Hunt of Canton, Bridgit Longshore of Orangeville, Ontario, Heidi (Matthew) Bigge of Los Gatos, CA, Nevada VenHorst of Forest, VA and Cori Possee of Aiken, SC; 14 great-grandchildren; and three nieces and six nephews.

Nadine was predeceased by her son, Michael D. Longshore, who died Oct. 20, 1997; and a sister, Leola Smith.

Nadine, her husband, Miles and her mother owned and operated Billy’s Restaurant & Bar from ‘46-‘74; Mooses’ Restaurant in ’74; the Silver Fox in ’75 and the Maples’ in Morley. She later served as Town Clerk for the Town of Canton for 22 years.

She enjoyed spending summers on the St. Lawrence River, she traveled extensively, including going to Nicaragua with a medical team for four weeks in the late 90’s. She also enjoyed playing golf and entertaining friends and family.

While in Canton, Nadine was actively involved in a number of organizations and memberships including: Past President and Vice President of St. Lawrence Figure Skating Club, she served on several committees at Canton First Presbyterian Church, where she was secretary, deacon, clerk of the session and Sunday school teacher; a St. Lawrence County Hospice Volunteer, Republican Women’s Chairperson of St. Lawrence Co.; 1986 NYS Town Clerk’s Assoc. Rep for District 4; served on the Presbytery Board; was a past member of the St. Lawrence Golf & Country Club as well as Partridge Run Golf Club.

In Deland, FL, she was Past President of the Women’s Club of Deland; where she received the Outstanding Leadership Award from Presbyterian Women of Deland in years ’93, ’94 and ’95; member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (an international women’s service organization) and was a past member of the Southridge Golf Club.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/ Flagler, 1250 S. State Rd., Suite 5, Deland, FL 32720, First Presbyterian Church, Park Place, Canton, NY or to Alzheimer’s Support Group at Maplewood Campus, 205 State Street Road, Canton, NY 13617.