MADELINE SAWYER MILBRIDGE – Madeline Sawyer died peacefully May 9, 2009, surrounded by her loving family, at home, after a short illness. Born Jan. 3, 1913, in Steuben, she was the daughter of the late John and Bernice (Stanwood) Stanley. She attended public schools in Steuben and graduated from high school in 1930. In 1934 she graduated from Dier’s Beauty School, Springfield, Mass., and worked as a hair stylist in that area for a short time. In 1937 she married E. Philip Sawyer of Milbridge and had lived there her entire life. After raising two sons, she started work as a bank teller at Union Trust Bank in town and later became manager and was employed there until 1980. Madeline was involved in many organizations and took great pride in each and always was in the leadership role. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star, Alcyone Chapter since 1938; a very active member in Milbridge Congregational Church since 1939, serving on the board of deacons; superintendent of the church Sunday school for 10 years; church clerk; and was one of the leaders in getting the basement constructed into the youth center. Maddy was a member and past president of Narraguagus Federated Women’s Club. In 1989 she took on one of the favorite projects which was organizing Milbridge Historical Society, which consumed a great deal of her time. She also held the Boston Post Cane as the oldest living Milbridge citizen. She is survived by two sons, Peter and Richard of Milbridge; a brother, Frank and wife, Marcella Stanley, of Springfield, Mass.; a sister-in-law, Audrey Stanley of Ludlow, Mass.; six grandchildren, Cathy, Debbie, Janet, Nichole, Rick and Tim; 11 great-grandchildren, Lester, Connie, Meghan, Kassidy, Brynn, Myah, Will, Jed, Timmy, Ethan and Caleb; one great-great-grandchild, Madeline, named for her; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, E. Philip Sawyer; sister, Beatrice Stanley; two brothers, Guy Stanley and John Stanley; a sister-in-law, Ruth T. Stanley; and two daughters-in-law, Sonja Sawyer and Karen Sawyer. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at Milbridge Congregational Church, Bridge Street, Milbridge, with the Rev. Dr. Eric Kelley officiating. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial will be after at Evergreen Cemetery, Milbridge. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in her memory may give to Milbridge Congregational Church, P.O. Box 67, Milbridge, ME 04658 or Milbridge Historical Society, P.O. Box 194, Milbridge, ME 04658. A service of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Milbridge. For online condolences, please visit our Web site at www.bragdonkelley.com.
MADELINE SAWYER
