PORTER- It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Judith M.
Sawyer, 88, on September 5, 2025, in the Gorham House, Maine. She had
been living with Alzheimer's-dementia for the past 5 years. Fortunately, she lived at her home in Porter until May 2025. After a
stroke, her last months of life were spent with her daughter and new friends (staff) at Gorham House.
She was born in Porter, Maine on April 12, 1937. However, she was not alone because her twin brother Dave was born too. Her loving parents were Elton and Ruth Merrifield. Judy went from grades K to 12 in the schools of Porter, Maine. The activities she participated in were glee club, band, and basketball. She was voted having the prettiest eyes her sophomore year. During her teenage summers, she would work at Goodwin’s Lodge in North Sebago with her close classmate Jane. She graduated in 1955 from Porter High. She attended a college in Springfield, Mass. to get an associates degree in Dental Assistance.
Marriage soon followed. On April 12, 1958, she married her high school sweetheart Bill Sawyer. This began her journey as a military wife. Bill and Judy were first stationed in Greenville, South Carolina.
She worked for a dentist office while there. She also had her two children. A son in 1959 and a daughter in 1962. Eventually, she became a full-time homemaker as her family of four would be stationed in Savannah, Georgia, Andrews A.F. Base, Maryland, Valdosta, Georgia, and Alexandria, Louisiana. Her family did experience living in the country of Panama, the Canal Zone, where she collected many types of South American crafts. Judy and Bill came back to Porter after he retired from the Air Force in 1981. Judy’s biggest hobby was talking on the phone with friends and family. She liked walking her sweet little dog Doolie all over town when he was living. She continued walking as a way of exercise. She took
pride in her home by keeping it neat and tidy. She was the best at making fricassee chicken and did great with baking desserts. Judy was a Mom who supported her children in all their endeavors, such as being at sporting events, helping with their educational needs, and taking them to sightsee historical places as well as fun places to visit. She was an avid reader and a proud Patriots’ fan. Some were impressed with her knowledge of football. Finally, she was best known for being a thoughtful person who did not mind helping others in any way she could. To sum it up… “Judy Sawyer never met a stranger.”
The notable clubs she was active in were the Non-Commissioned Officers Wives’ Club and the local 21 Club. Judy was a long-time member of the Riverside United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 45 years Chief Master Sergeant William Brian Sawyer and her dear son
Captain Mark William Sawyer (pilot). Her three caring brothers William Merrifield, Richard Merrifield-his wife Hertha, and her twin brother David Merrifield-his wife Lu. Three brothers-in-law: Bruce Sawyer-his wife Elvice, Stanley Sawyer, and Ralph Watson.
She is survived by her daughter Tonda Ruth Cyr and her husband Peter Charles Cyr of Gorham, Maine. Her four sisters-in-law
Ann Merrifield, Karen Sawyer, Karen Watson, and Cheryl Eastman-her husband Carroll. Also, many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18th from 2:30 - 4 PM. Judy’s memorial service will be 4 PM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish, Maine. Her burial will follow at the Kezar Falls Burial Ground. Online condolence messages can be submitted at mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Judy’s memory can be made to: Kezar Falls Circulating Library P.O. Box 11
Parsonsfield, ME 04047 or to: 21 Club, 19 Derby Barn Rd., Hiram, ME 04041