Shirley “Penny” Sawyer, 80, of Raynham and formerly of Whitman, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Born, February 27, 1940, Penny was the daughter of Charles E and Ruth H (Jenkins) Matthews and was raised her entire life in East Bridgewater. As secretary of EBHS class of 1958 Penny was known for being an oboist member of SEMSBA . It’s at EBHS where she began dating her future husband, Howard Sawyer, also of Raynham.
Penny continued her education at UMASS Amherst and graduated in 1962 with honors and a degree in Nutrition. She continued her career, working as a Registered Dietician for nearly 40 years at Holyoke Hospital, Brockton Hospital, Plymouth County Hospital and Cranberry Specialty Hospital.
Penny and Howard were married for 57 years in July. During this time she was an active Girl Scout Leader, Whitman Little League Baseball Mom and a wonderful friend to anyone in need. After retirement, some golf, travel and a move from Whitman to Raynham, Penny discovered a love of quilting, thimble collecting, senior chair yoga and becoming an active member in the Raynham Historical Society. Penny was also a proud member of the Priscilla Nutmeggers Thimble Collection Society and Silver City Quilt Guild and was an avid Red Sox fan.
In addition to Howard, she is survived by her children and their spouses, Pamela (Sawyer) and Charles Sanford of Bridgewater, Steven and Kate (McGeehan)of Hollis, Maine and her seven beloved grandchildren: Joseph Sanford of Natick, Riley Sawyer of Hollis, ME, 2nd LT Benjamin Sanford USAF of Little Rock, AR, Matthew Sanford of Bridgewater, Collin Sawyer of Hollis, ME, Nicholas Sawyer of Hollis, ME and Molly Sawyer of Hollis, ME. Penny left behind many extended family including sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Penny had a special fondness for animals especially her current Black Lab Gus.
Finally, Penny would want to thank all her outstanding neighbors on Quequechan Circle. Their genuine kindness and generosity made her love her neighborhood family.
Visiting hours with Covid-19 restrictions will begin Saturday, January 16th at Noon in the East Bridgewater Prophett-Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home 35 Spring Street East Bridgewater and conclude with a Private Funeral Service at 2:00pm.
A private burial will follow in Central Cemetery East Bridgewater.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Penny’s name to the Raynham Historical Society PO Box 136 Raynham Center, MA 02768.
