Kathleen Ann Saxton, 59, of Ludington and Irons, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, November 24, 2018, at her beloved cottage in Irons.  Better known to her family and friends as "Kathy" she was born February 10, 1959, in Kalamazoo the daughter of John "Jack" and Patricia (O'Brien) Heglund.

Kathy grew up in Hart, and graduated from Hart High School with the Class of 1977.  Following graduation Kathy was employed by First National Bank of Ludington where she met the love of her life, Russ Saxton, who kept her laughing for 39 years.

Kathy went on to pursue her nursing career at Northern Michigan College in Traverse City where she earned her associate's degree in nursing.  It was during that period that the couple had their first child, Laura Lynn in 1980, and in 1983, they had their son, Patrick John.

Following graduation Kathy moved back to Ludington where she began her career at Ludington Memorial Hospital.  She then earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Ferris State University.  As part of her master's thesis project, Kathy studied abroad in a two-week program, in Finland, with a group of FSU students learning about the Finnish Health Care System. In addition to her education, Kathy was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international society of nursing.

Kathy spent all but 3 of her 34 years as a registered nurse at Memorial Medical Center, now Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital.  Her leadership positions included nursing supervisor, obstetrics director, renal dialysis director, infection control director and women's health program co-chair.  From 2002-2005, Kathy was the senior leader and community health director at Baldwin Family Health Care where she was responsible for community outreach and health programs in Lake and Newaygo Counties.

Kathy's favorite times were those spent at the enchanted cottage on the Little Manistee River, in Irons, with her family.

Kathy is survived by: her loving husband, Russ; her daughter, Laura Lynn (John) Popielarski of East Lansing; her son, Patrick John (Serra Ann) Saxton of Ludington; 4 grandchildren, Scarlett Rose, John Patrick, Ashlyn Ann and Eli Allen due January 2, 2019; her sister, Elizabeth (Eric) Trombley of Irons; her sister-in-law, Carol (David) Dorrell of Great Falls, Montana; her brother-in-law, Robert L. Saxton of Pentwater; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Sean Patrick O'Brien and Rich Rasmussen; and her loving English Springer Spaniel, Lillie.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law and her father-in-law.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM, Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, Ludington, with Father Wayne B. Wheeler presiding.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 28, 2018, from 5-7 PM, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeshore Animal Friends.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com