Margaret Rhodes (Cuddeback) Axtell 1932-2025

Margaret passed away on November 6, 2025, at St. Johns in Rochester, NY.

Margaret was born to Charles and Ida Rhodes in Ogbourne St. George, Marlborough, England May 15, 1932.

Margaret received her early education at the Mildenhall School and then received admission to the Marlborough Grammar School. Margaret was a graduate of Avery Hill College, Oxford University in London with a major in teaching and a minor in music and voice. While at Avery Hill Margaret found an interest in writing with the thought of becoming a journalist deciding to set up residence in Kenya, South Africa. She published many short stories and served as an editor of the Avery Hill newspaper and literary magazine. Margaret was also an accomplished musician and belonged to many local operatic societies and choral groups.

After graduation Margaret decided before heading to Kenya to visit her Sister Betty Vecchi in Canandaigua, NY. Once in Canandaigua Margaret met John Cuddeback, they were married in 1957. Margaret soon was involved in many Canandaigua clubs and Organizations. She was a volunteer at Thompson Hospital, belonged to and sang solos in the choir at the Congregational Church, a member of the Interrogation Club, the Travelers Club, the Scientific Club, the Century Dance Club, served on the house committee at the Granger Homestead, was one of the founding members of the Annual Homestead Ball, chaired many home tours and was the founder of the annual Candlelight tour. Margaret was also a member of the Inaugural Sonnenberg Gardens board of directors, served many years on the planning committee, provided the floral displays in the mansion, directed weddings and events.

In 1976 Margaret opened along with business partner Gordon J. Estey, Cuddeback Florist, Weddings and Parties. located at 233-235 South Main Street, Canandaigua. Margaret was a past president of the downtown merchant’s association and an FTD Master Florist. Margaret retired in 1995.

Margaret attended a school reunion in England and reunited with her childhood best friend and

sweetheart William (Bill) Axtell. Each were in the process of a divorce. They started writing and were married and lived in England from 1996-2007. In 2007 Margaret and Bill moved permanently to Canandaigua, NY.

Margaret is predeceased by her parents, husband Bill Axtell, sister Mary (George) Lawn,

brother Charles (Ursula) Rhodes and sister Betty (Renato) Vecchi.

She is survived by daughter Ann (Arlie) Hoenig, son Richard (Sherry) Cuddeback, three granddaughters, one grandson, many nieces & nephews. Her friend of over 50 years Gordon J. Estey. Also survived in England by Adrian (Alison) Axtell, Ian (Jenni) Axtell and Gillian Axtell

We wish to thank the staff at Ferris Hills, Quail Summit and St. John’s Home for the friendship and great care Margaret received, and the many friends and customers that remember her floral work and beautiful singing voice to this day.

Donations in Margaret’s memory can be made to the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center,

20 Fort Hill Avenue, Canandaigua, NY 14424 or at www.fhpac.org or Sonnenberg Gardens, 250 Gibson Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fuller Funeral Home, Inc. Canandaigua.

To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com