Randi Leigh Baxter Obituary (1993

Randi Leigh Baxter, 15, died early Saturday, November 22, 2008, surrounded by her family at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport.Born in Augusta, March 17, 1993 she was the daughter of Randy Lee and Vikki Ann Barss Baxter.Randi was educated in local schools, and at the time of her death, was an energetic member of Rockland District High School's sophomore class.Randi lived her life overcoming debilitating injuries received in a fire when she was fourteen months old. All who knew and loved Randi often spoke of her indomitable, loving, determined, adventurous, and sometimes stubborn spirit. An aunt described Randi as, "The most amazing person I have ever met." Other family members said, "She took every day as a new challenge and never gave up, no matter what the difficulty." Not only did she often speak her mind, but she also had the ability to wrap anyone around her little finger. She had a way of making those who came in contact with her feel like there was nothing they couldn't do. Regardless of her disabilities, she requested no special treatment and always wanted to be just like everyone else. Eager to fit in, while her Mom would wash and style sister Jeannette's hair, Randi would ask her to comb and trim her imagined bangs as well. At school she also desired to fit in, and thought it "Cool" when she received the same discipline as other students. At home she kept up with all the other kids, whether helping with the haying, playing croquet, four-wheeling, snowmobiling or sledding. A devoted fan of Brett Farve, New York Jets quarterback, she also was an avid NASCAR fan, and was thrilled to meet Dale Earnhardt, Jr. at Louden International Speedway. Randi was pleased to be chosen as Queen for a Shriners football game held in Massachusetts. Her tenacious spirit was borne out when upon arriving at that game; she expressed dismay at not being able actually to play football. Being Queen was not enough for Randi, so her Grammy Dot convinced one of the Quarterbacks to gently "tackle" Randi. The young man carefully placed her onto the turf, pretending a 'tackle' and to his surprise giggled and asked him to do it again! It was one of the highlights of the game. According to her family, Randi's mark on the world did not merely stop at inspiration and heart felt joy. Due in part to help from the Shriners Charities, many of the surgeries she underwent at Boston Shriners Burn Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital were groundbreaking, providing new methods of helping future burn and orthopedic patients. In 1999 through Make-A-Wish, she delighted in a trip to a Dude Ranch in Montana, where she was thrilled to see buffalo and had a grizzly bear come right to the window. A trip to Disney World, partially funded by the kindness of friends and strangers, was welcome respite and experience for Randi and family.She appeared several times in TV ads and promotions for different organizations and enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics. And avid competitor, Randi ran for and got the gold many a time! For Randi, doing and accomplishing your very best was expected A there was no other option.Randi considered Steve Leach, the firefighter who rescued her from the 1994 fire, as her hero, angel and special friend. Randi's family said that Steve has been with Randi through everything over the years and supported her in many ways. She also had a special bond with her younger sister Jeannette, who has been an important caregiver and friend.Randi is survived by her mother and step-father Vikki A. and Jason Benner of Appleton; her father Randy L. Baxter of Augusta; two sisters, Jeannette E. Baxter, Vanessa A. Benner; her maternal grandparents, Victor and Dorothy Barss all of Appleton; her paternal grandparents, Robert Baxter of Augusta; Charlene Benner of Cushing; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Randi was predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Laura Baxter and paternal step-grandfather Charles Benner. Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 28, 2008, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland where a celebration of Randi's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday. The Reverend Wayne Sawyer will officiate. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Appleton.Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Randi's name to Shriners Burn Institute, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114; Make-A-Wish Foundation, 87 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843; or Angel Flight N.E., Lawrence Municipal Airport, 492 Sutton Street, North Andover, MA 01845.2b