Patricia Saxe

Patricia M. Saxe, born on June 12, 1929 in Rochester, NY. Patricia passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on April 7, 2026.

Patricia is predeceased by her loving husband of 49 years, John Raymond Saxe, her parents William and Alice Merriman, her brothers William and Michael Merriman. She is survived by her children John (Katherine) Saxe, JoAnne (Noel Wong) Saxe, Matthew (Lisa) Saxe, Andrew (Amy) Saxe, Peter (Genna) Saxe, Rosemary (Andrew) Morris, Carolyn (Patrick) Burns, and Barbara (Michael) DeBarros,17 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Avenue, Fairport, NY 14450 on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with burial immediately following at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Nursing Degree Program at Nazareth University or the Mercy Fund Ministry at Church of the Assumption.

Patricia lived most of her years in the Tenth Ward of Rochester, NY (Ridgeway Avenue, Seneca Parkway and Magee Avenue). She was proud of her Irish Catholic heritage and cherished being raised in a multi-generational household.

She attended Sacred Heart Cathedral grammar school and Nazareth Academy high school, where she had fond memories of the students and Sisters of St. Joseph. She then went on to Nazareth College where she earned her Bachelor of Science in biology, all while working most nights at the downtown Sibley, Lindsay & Curr department store.

During college, she met her future husband, John, on a blind date. Sparks flew, and a year later Patricia and John were married; ten months after that Jack was born and subsequently seven more babies within a 14-year time span. Patricia and John were dedicated parents who raised their eight children in a stable, loving environment that was significantly influenced by their Catholic faith and principles.

Patricia’s faith, education, and supportive network of family, friends and community substantially guided her commitment to advocating for changes that have made this world a better place for her loved ones, friends and society at large.Through active involvement in her spiritual communities, Patricia contributed to educational enhancements for students, renovations of the Cathedral, programs for vulnerable populations and much more.

In partnership with her husband, John, she was deeply involved with her local community and the political scene. Their work helped to elect strong and ethical leaders in our government, such as Louise Slaughter, who represented the citizens of Monroe County; and to launch policies, for example, ones that offered protection for the Rochester environment. Additionally, Patricia’s strong ethos, dedication to lifelong learning (formal and informal) provided her with the knowledge and skills to pursue a profession in health care as an office manager for Dr. Edelstein’s OB/GYN practice and volunteer work, along with John, at the Advent House, “a ministry where persons nearing the end of life can die with dignity and comfort.”

Patricia frequently cited this quote as a guide for daily life, emphasizing that everyone you interact with is dealing with something you know nothing about: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”