1928 – 2016

AUBURN — Sylvia J. Sawyer passed away suddenly Saturday, April 2, at the age of 87, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born April 16, 1928, in Liverpool, England, to Joseph and Mildred (Ince) McKeown. Mom was a very brave lady who took a chance and married an American soldier who was stationed in Liverpool during World War II. She came to the United States on a ship full of war brides to reunite with her husband, Hollis R. Sawyer, in Skowhegan.

Mom was a devoted wife and homemaker. Being an only child, Dad wanted a big family. So Mom raised seven children, while Dad worked very hard to become successful in the grocery business and financially support the whole crew. They were a good team.

Mom and Dad lived in Skowhegan, Augusta, Lisbon Falls and Auburn while Dad was working. They retired to a beautiful oceanside condo in Pompano Beach, Fla., when Mom was only 48 and they enjoyed their retirement together for more than 33 years. During that time, Mom and Dad traveled extensively. They went to every state in the United States and also visited many countries in Europe, as well as Russia, China and New Zealand.

She is survived by her children, Wendy Downey and husband, Michael, of Ellsworth, Warren Sawyer and wife, Nancy, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Gregory Sawyer and wife, Susan, of Auburn, Bradley Sawyer of Auburn, Sandra Tassinari and husband, George Greenwood, of Poland and Cheryl Buerhaus and husband, Jeff, of Scarborough. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mom was predeceased by her husband, Hollis R. Sawyer; her daughter, Susan L. Sawyer; and her sister, Shirley Sullivan of New Zealand.