Kathleen M. Saxby

Kathleen M. Saxby, cherished sister, amazing aunt and devoted friend, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after a nearly seven-year battle against breast cancer. She was 66.

Kathleen is predeceased by her loving parents, John M. and Jeanette L. Saxby. She is survived by her treasured family and countless friends, including siblings Laura Saxby Lynch (John Lynch), Ellen Saxby, John (Nancy) Saxby, and Teresa Northrup (fiancé Kerry Smith); nieces and nephews Jack Saxby (fiancée Sharan Kuganesan), T.J. Saxby, Sam Saxby (Kaitlynd Vega, Phoenix Bell and Rosalina Vega); Michael and Lillian Northrup; Connor Lynch; and Taylor and Ian Smith; and her extended family including aunts and many cousins.

Kathleen was born and raised in Victor, N.Y. but spent most of her adult life in New York City where she built a successful career in the fashion industry that spanned nearly 30 years. Kathleen’s expertise in technical design and apparel product development led her to work for companies ranging from startups to industry leaders including Polo Ralph Lauren, Liz Clairborne, and Tail Activewear. Her career took her around the globe as she visited factories and clients from South America to Asia, fueling Kathleen’s lifelong passion for travel.

Kathleen graduated from Victor High School and went on to earn an associate’s degree in retail business management from Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC). She later earned a degree in menswear design and marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. In 2014, Kathleen received a Distinguished Alumni Award from FLCC, an honor recognizing alumni who have made a difference in their professions and communities. Kathleen also served as the college’s commencement speaker that year.

Kathleen’s endless optimism, unfailing positivity and limitless compassion were hallmarks of the rich life she lived. For Kathleen, there was nothing more important than family. Her love was unequivocal and unending, and that love will live in our hearts always. Together with her “family of friends” – who she loved dearly – we remember her creativity, kindness, strength, and beauty. And in memory of our dear sister, aunt, and friend, may we follow her lead and find beauty and love in every moment.

Family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life for Kathleen at Camp Eastman Kusak Lodge, 21 Camp Eastman Way, Rochester, N.Y. 14617 on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 3:00 – 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kathleen’s memory to:

Kathleen M. Saxby ’78 Memorial Scholarship 
FLCC Foundation 
3325 Marvin Sands Drive 
Canandaigua, N Y 14424 
Checks may be made payable to FLCC Foundation with Kathleen’s name in the memo line. 

Contributions may also be made online at https://www.flcc.edu/giving/. Click on the “Make A Gift” box and under “Designation,” choose the Kathleen M. Saxby ’78 Memorial Scholarship from the drop-down menu.