Obituary of Anita Sawin MacKenzie

Mrs. Anita Sawin MacKenzie, 84, died November 28, 2013 at her retirement home, John Knox Village in Weslaco, Texas. Born on March 10, 1929 in Schenectady, NY, she was the youngest of three children. Her father was an American Baptist Minister and her mother a secretary. Following her graduation from the Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam, she taught music in the Utica, NY public schools for four years. On July 3, 1954, she married William B. MacKenzie and moved to Canajoharie, NY where the couple raised their five children, Linda (Steven), William, Jr. (Kristin), Mark (Mikki), Bert (Joyce), and Scott. Anita is also survived by ten grandchildren. During this period Anita served for 35 years as Director of the Choir and Organist of the Reformed Church of Canajoharie. In 1975, she joined her husband in his Law Practice as a Legal Assistant. She worked with him until their retirement in 1992. Following retirement, Anita and Bill left New York and travelled extensively throughout the United States in their motor home finally settling in McAllen, Texas. While there she served as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher for many years. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 10:00am at Canajoharie Falls Cemetery with Rev. Miriam Barnes officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.