Dixie Mae Sanborn

Like the last few pages of a favorite book, Dixie Sanborn's life came to a well-read conclusion on February 27, 2026. Born in Portland Maine October 15, 1937 to Allen Naugler and Lorraine (Heenie) Naugler, she was named by chance. Her mother had chosen Diane and Dixie as possibilities and her aunt flipped a coin to decide between the two. She was christened Dixie Mae Naugler, her middle name from her maternal grandmother Margaret Mae Heenie with whom Dixie was very close.

An only child, she spent a large part of her childhood on Long Island in Casco Bay off the coast of Maine. It was there that her love of reading and exploring nature blossomed. Long Island was, at that time, an hour and a half ferry ride from the mainland and its population was small so Dixie often had to amuse herself. She rescued and rehabilitated animals of all kinds as she traversed the island woods, once bringing home a baby beaver in her backpack. She graduated from Westbrook High School in 1955 where she was known for her fun-loving personality.

Her love of nature she attributed to her Uncle Wendell who taught her "not to be afraid of the creatures who share the planet with you. We all have a purpose." For the whole of her life, she took an interest in and supported various nature and wildlife causes.

In life, Dixie made friends wherever she went. Best of all, she had a defining character trait: if she knew your secrets, she kept them. In her younger years, Dixie was active in various clubs and civic organizations. She was Woman of the Year in Arcadia, Florida, before her former husband's job as City Manager brought them to DeLand in 1967. She was married to Wayne G. Sanborn for 33 years and they remained good friends even after their divorce.

Throughout her adult life, Dixie balanced family commitments with work. She was employed in various administrative positions and worked as a title researcher for many years. She was very active in DeLand's Business and Professional Women's Club.

Reading was always a favorite pastime but Dixie also enjoyed going to her grandchildren's sporting events, watching whatever sport was in season on television and going to the movies. She shared her life with a succession of cats, some more beloved than others, but she was devoted to all of them. She loved a good bowl of ice cream, an interesting book and a nice glass of wine. Among her other rare qualities: she never took sides in a conflict and she did not hold a grudge.

Dixie Mae laughed easily and often and accepted life as it came, with a sense of humor and a sharp wit. She is survived by her four children: Rhonda (Mark Scott) of Treasure Island, Randy (Patti Swartz), Russell (Linda), and Renee (Hal) Rogers, all of DeLand; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, March 22, at Select Growers, 4391 State Road 11, in DeLeon Springs with a short service at 2:00 pm followed by visitation until 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree or making a donation to the nature or wildlife charity of your choice in memory of Dixie. She would love that.