Obituary of Dorothy L. Buxton

Dorothy "Dot" L. (Miller) Buxton, age 89, died September 8, 2015 at Crozer-Keystone Hospice at Taylor Hospital, Ridley Park, PA. Dot, as known to her family and friends, was born on March 20, 1926, in New Brunswick, NJ, the third child of Virginia (Tudor) and Norman Miller. Her family could trace their lineage back to a Revolutionary War patriot and Dot was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She graduated from Highland Park High School, Highland Park, NJ, and attended Duke University in North Carolina. Dot returned to New Jersey to hone her business skills at the Katharine Gibbs School. Following her graduation, she was employed as a legal secretary at Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ. On May 27, 1950, Dot married Robert S. Buxton of Englewood, NJ. Bob's sister Ruth introduced them, and it truly was a match made in heaven. After several moves, including time in Rhode Island, Dot and Bob settled in Media, PA and devoted themselves to raising their daughter and four sons. Dot also served as office manager for her husband's newly formed business, Systems Control Associates. In the late 1960's, Bob and Dot purchased a small vacation cottage on the banks of the Susquehanna River, near Brogue, PA. "The Cottage" became the meeting place for family to gather every summer for swimming, boating, water skiing, champagne brunches and great conversation. Dot loved her place on the river and made every guest feel welcome. She also shared her husband's passion for little theater. Dot participated first as an actress and later moved into directing. Dot spent many years directing at the Colonial Playhouse in Aldan, PA, where she never hesitated to recruit her children and their friends to pitch in as actors, lighting coordinators and backstage help. Dot directed over 40 plays during her career. After the death of her beloved husband in 1994, Dot moved to their vacation home in North Fort Myers, FL, where she made many friends in the Del Tura community. She hosted family for Christmas celebrations, and grandchildren for spring break. Dot officially became a "snowbird" in the early 2000's in order to be closer to family during the summer. Dot eventually decided to remain in Pennsylvania, and spend the last few years at Plush Mills in Wallingford, PA. Dot was known to family and friends as a loving, honest and generous woman. She was very active in the Media Presbyterian Church, including roles as Elder, administrative assistant and theatrical program director. She volunteered as a tutor for an elementary school and supported local programs providing reading support. Over the years, Dot opened her home to many in need of safe harbor. She wished to be remembered as one who made a difference in the lives of those she touched – and she did. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, the late Robert S. Buxton, parents, the late Norman C. and Virginia (Tudor) Buxton, and two brothers, the late Norman Miller, Jr. and Rex Miller. Survivors: Daughter: Virginia M. (Tom) Rogers of Newtown Square, PA Sons: R. Stevens (Helen) Buxton, Jr., Media, PA, Jeffrey T. (Julie) Buxton of Brogue, PA, Blake A. (Alicia) Buxton of Wallingford, PA, and Douglas P. (Jennifer) Buxton of Wheaton, IL Brother-in-law: George E. Buxton of West Palm, CA 11 Grandchildren 3 Great Grandchildren Memorial Service: Thursday, September 17, 2015, 11:00 AM, at the Media Presbyterian Church, 30 E. Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063 Visitation: Thursday, September 17, 2015 after 10:00 AM at the church Interment: Private Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donation may be given in Dot's name, to the Delaware County Literacy Council, 2217 Providence Avenue, Chester, PA 19013 or Delaware County SPCA, 555 Sandy Bank Road, Media, PA 19063. . .