Plan for the Future
Nancy Niedner Baxter, age 92, died at her home in Chester, NJ on September 7, 2020 with all five of her children by her side. She bravely fought kidney cancer for almost a year. Her husband of 60 years, William B. Baxter, died in 2014. She leaves behind her children: Virginia (Bob), Bluemont, VA; Jaine (Ray), Philadelphia, PA ; Sue, Jonaker, Sweden; and sons Bill,Jr., Whippany, NJ; and James, Chester NJ. She also leaves five grandchildren: Melissa, Christopher, Alec, Kieran, and Rachel; numerous nieces and nephews, and her 7 year old rescued Siberian Husky mix, Keenan.
Nancy was born on December 1, 1927 in Summit, NJ, the daughter of George A. Niedner and Marjorie Bowen Niedner. Her beloved brother, Malcolm B. Niedner, predeceased her. Nancy attended Summit High School and graduated in 1946 from Kent Place School in Summit. She attended Mount Vernon Junior College in Washington D.C., and graduated from Harcum Junior College in Bryn Mawr, PA. She worked briefly as an executive assistant at The Air Reduction Company in its patent and trademark department before her marriage.
Nancy’s life was defined by her unwavering devotion to her family and service to others. She volunteered for New Eyes for the Needy (NJ), and then for Meals on Wheels for over 20 years in Sedona, AZ, after moving there in 1988.
An adventuresome spirit, Nancy explored the United States, Canada, and Mexico with Bill on the back of his various motorcycles. She learned to scuba dive so she could enjoy underwater photography with Bill. And even after she was diagnosed with heart disease, Nancy hiked the Grand Canyon to the bottom and back up on three separate occasions while in her 60s. She also enjoyed cross country skiing with her daughter Virginia. Nancy loved winter and snow, and in her late 70s went coasting downhill in an inner tube with her grandchildren watching in sheer delight.
Nancy and Bill loved dogs and welcomed four Dachshunds, a rescued Chihuahua, three Siberian Huskies and a rescued Malamute into their home over their lifetimes. She was an avid birder.
Nancy was affectionately known as “Nonny” by her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She had the graciousness of Audrey Hepburn and the compassion of Mother Theresa. An American beauty inside and out, Nancy was an extraordinary, unforgettable woman in the eyes of her family and everyone who met her. Her energy, humbleness, positivity, and selflessness were life-long hallmarks.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Nancy’s name to the Sedona Humane Society, 2115 Shelby Drive, Sedona, AZ 86336, or to The Sedona Community Center, 2615 Melody Lane, PO Box 2894, Sedona AZ 86339. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will be private.
