Evelyn R. Sawyer

On the 6th of December we lost a wonderful woman.  Evelyn “Amma” Sawyer passed in peace, at her home in Northborough, joining those who were waiting to welcome her.  Evelyn was raised in Naugatuck, CT, daughter of James and Philomena (Gagliardi) Mariano.

Evelyn spent her 93 years spreading love and joy to all who knew her.  The last 70 of those years were spent sharing a love like no other with her devoted husband, Ernest “Junie” Sawyer, Jr.  Besides her husband she leaves her loving daughter Debra and her husband Robert Reynolds, Jr.  who know how fortunate they were to enjoy such a wonderful parent and friend. 

Catering to her every whim were her three grandchildren, Amanda Fallon (Peter), Stefanie Aspero (Kevin) and her favorite grandson, Jeffrey Reynolds (Paloma). They often got her “Italian wave” and frequently referred to her as the “Feisty Italian.”  Watching her great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Lyla Fallon and Theodore and Benjamin Aspero play made her heart smile.  Amma never passed up an opportunity to attend their sporting events or watch them swim, play, and enjoy life, especially at her pond.

In addition, Evelyn leaves her brother Robert Mariano and her sister-in-law Barbara, their children Lynn Berry (Dennis), Thomas Mariano (Marilyn) and their families.

Her greatest joy was her family.  She was the matriarch and reason for such a close knit extended family.  She loved her many nieces and nephews but had a special relationship with Kathy Hawley (who predeceased her), Lisa Wheeler, Sandra Arsenault, Janet Yellick and Nicole Hoffman, who she loved like daughters and who visited daily.

Her love was contagious.  Her perpetual kindness and sunny disposition was infectious.  Amma meant so much to so many.  We will miss the happiness she emitted. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a charity that is important to Evelyn, JDRF and The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

In honor of her wishes, there will be no public services.  Burial, at Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough, will take place privately with her family.

The Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Sawyer Family with arrangements.