Mary Catherine Coates Saxon, 96 of Hollywood died on March 31, 2012 at her residence. Born January 19, 1916, in Pearson, MD, she was the daughter of the late Charles Ignatius Coates and Julia Veronica Washington Coates.

She attended school in St. Mary's County before meeting her husband, the late Oliver E. Saxon, whom she wed on April 15, 1950. Mr. and Mrs. Saxon lived in Lexington Park for more than 40 years.

Mrs. Saxon dedicated much of her life to taking care of others. She worked for two families, one in Washington, D.C. and one in St. Mary's County, providing a mixture of love and learning for the children whose growth and success became her passion and joy. She began working for Harry and Anne Lancaster in 1951 and has remained a part of their family for more than 60 years.

Mrs. Saxon is survived by her sister, Blanche Coates Jones of Elizabethtown, NC, and a host of cousins including Melva Ann Coates, Charles Saxon Jr., and James Saxon.

She was predeceased by four siblings, Samuel Coates, Andrew Coates, Charles Coates, and Laura Coates, and a favorite uncle, James Melvin Coates.

Family members will receive friends from 10:00 to 12 a.m., on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Serving as pallbearers will be David L. Lancaster, George H. Lancaster, Harry S. Lancaster, Charles Saxon, Jr., James Saxon, and Aaron Lancaster.

Donations in memory of Catherine Saxon may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.