Obituary of Priscilla B. Nixon

Priscilla Burrows Nixon, 78, of West Main Street, Westfield, died May 26, 2011, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born Nov. 4th, 1933 in Jamestown NY, the daughter of the Fern S. (Holt) and Floyd L. Burrows of Jamestown and resided in Westfield for over 50 years. A distinguished leader in her community, Mrs. Nixon was involved and active in numerous organizations and projects and was prominent in Arts, Antiques and Historic Preservation. Known for saving historical landmarks, she was Founder and President of both the Peacock Landmark Society and the Landmark Society of Chautauqua County. As well, she helped found the Friends of Rockefeller Arts Center in Fredonia and was instrumental in placing Westfield on the National Register of Historic Places. Honored in 1983 by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, she received their "Citizen of the Year Award". In 1984, she received the New York State Historic Preservation Private Sector Award in recognition of extraordinary achievements in the field of Historic Preservation by Governor Mario Cuomo who described her as a "tenacious and charming, grassroots preservationist". In 2009 she received recognition as past chairperson and 21 years of service by the Westfield Planning Board for her countless contributions and direction in helping make and keep Westfield historically significant. A committed advocate of local and county history, she was a life long member and supporter of the Chautauqua County Historical Society, where she alternately served as president, vice president and director for many years; giving service and support to this important organization which the Nixon family had supported over past generations before her. Other past president and official roles in organizations Priscilla was involved in included the Chautauqua County Republican Women, Union Relief, the Westfield YMCA, the Patterson Library and the Westfield Garden Club. For decades, she was responsible for and managed the renown Westfield Antiques Show for the Chautauqua County Historical Society as well she owned and operated her own antique business, Priscilla B. Nixon Antiques. A life long member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield, she was involved with, supported and helped contribute and restore the church sanctuary during the last building restoration. Priscilla loved to travel and spent many of her earlier years travelling the world visiting numerous countries and memorable sites. Anyone who knew her, knew her life was blessed by the love of her animals. Priscilla is survived by her two children, a son Mark Stephen Nixon (Jan) of Lakewood Colorado and a daughter, Emelie Nixon Alexander of Boston, Massachusetts. She is preceded in death by her husband Roderick A. Nixon and her parents, Fern and Floyd Burrows. The family would like to extend their love and gratitude to her doctors and the numerous caregivers and friends who aided her in her comfort and well being over the last few years. As well, a special thanks to the nursing staff at the Visiting Nursing Association of Western New York and Hospice of Chautauqua County. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Historical Society- Post Office Box 7 Westfield, NY 14787, The First Presbyterian Church of Westfield - 49 S Portage Street Westfield, NY 14787 or Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue (326-PAWS) - 7540 N. Gale St. Westfield, NY 14787. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church and Society of Westfield, with Rev. Stephen Morse officiating. Private burial will be in Westfield Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send Priscilla's family a message of sympathy.