Marilyn Mabel Sawyer, 92, of New Harbor, passed away on the afternoon of June 4 at the LincolnHealth – Miles Campus in Damariscotta. She was the youngest child to Edward H. Gifford and Inez (McFarland) Gifford, born on March 13, 1925.
Marilyn grew up in New Harbor and attended Bristol High School. On Oct. 24, 1956 she married Ellery Chester Sawyer and for many years the couple ran Sawyer Cottages in New Harbor.
Marilyn was a Bristol Footlighter for many years, worked for the Gosnold Arms in New Harbor as a waitress, loved to go to the dances at Lakehurst, traveled many miles over many dance floors, and enjoyed the many vacations and bus tours she took with her husband. She also enjoyed playing golf and spending time with her family.
She was a caretaker of the Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve, and was a member of the Nature Conservancy. Marilyn also loved to feed and watch the many birds that would stop at her feeders. She was a lover of all wildlife.
Besides her parents, Marilyn was predeceased by brother, Carl Gifford; niece, Pauline (Tarr) Young; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Yates Sawyer and Elmer Tarr.
She is survived by son, George Sawyer; sister, Geraldine Tarr; niece, Susanne Genthner and husband Denis; brother-in-law, Stan Sawyer; nieces, Kay Hannah and husband Pete, and Jeri Pendleton and husband Ron; nephew, Brian Sawyer and wife Linda; great-nephews, Jason Genthner, Stephen Young and family, and Scott Young and family; and great-niece, Amanda Inez Box and family; as well as many, many friends.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Fri., June 9 at the New Harbor Cemetery where all are welcome to come celebrate her life.
Donations in her memory may be made to either the Bristol First Responders, 104 South Side Rd., New Harbor, ME 04554; or Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
Condolences, and messages for her family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.