Teacher’s aide at South School, loved Bingo and camping
TEWSBURY — Joan M. Sawyer, 89, of Tewksbury and a former longtime Lynnfield resident, died peacefully at home on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022 with her daughters Carol and Lisa at her side.
Joan was born in Everett on March 16, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Elmer and Florence (Pettitt) Kenison. She was raised in Everett and graduated from Everett High School in 1951. Mrs. Sawyer worked for many years at Macy’s Department Store in Peabody and retired at age 82. She was a specialist for “COACH” handbags during her tenure. Prior to her 40 plus years at Macy’s, she worked as a teacher’s aide and secretary at South School in Lynnfield. She was an avid “Bingo” player and loved camping at White Lake State Park in New Hampshire. She especially loved Christmas and family gatherings.
She was the beloved wife of Ronald C. Sawyer. She was the loving mother of Carol Chapman and her husband, Stephen, of Reading; Lisa Dooling and her husband, Michael, of Tewksbury; and Robin Whelan of Barrington, New Hampshire. She was the sister of William Kenison and his wife, Barbara, of Melrose; and the late Elmer L. Kenison Jr. and his wife, Bernadette. She was the grandmother of Jonathan Chapman and his wife, Melissa, of Westford; Thomas and Jeffrey Chapman of Reading; Alanna Dooling of Tewksbury; and Brianna, Jarrod and Brandon Whelan. Two great grandchildren also survive her.
Her funeral service was held in the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, on Saturday, Aug. 27. Visitation was held prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.
