Alma B. Sawyer

Alma was born Oct. 3, 1923, in Redford to Daniel and Jane Charbonneau.

She graduated from Assumption of Mary School in Redford. Alma married Gordon R. (Reggie) Sawyer on April 5, 1942. She lived in Saranac Lake the majority of her life and worked as a waitress in numerous restaurants in the area. She also worked at American Management Association and the Saranac Lake Adult Center.

Alma was known best for her sewing and knitting, and had quite the following at the local holiday craft shows. Her many talents are displayed in homes throughout the North Country, on tables decorated with her beautiful placemats and runners. Not only her own grandchildren benefited from her cozy, warm sweaters, but many children in the area could be found sporting her sturdy stitches that were purchased for a fair price at Sparkle Village. Alma was an avid pinochle player. She was a fierce competitor at Will Rogers and Adult Center tournaments. She honed her skill while playing her weekly games at home with her children and good friend Betty Dora.

Alma was predeceased by her husband Reggie; two daughters, Regina Benware (Tom) and Bonnie Easton (Chuck); her grandson Seth Arlington Sawyer; and great-granddaughter Hope Arise Trudeau. She is survived by her daughters Judy O’dell (Charlie) of Saranac Lake, Susan Andrews (Glenn) of Plattsburgh, Sherry Knapp (Paul) of Lake Clear, Donna Trudeau Cantwell (Rick and Bobby) of Onchiota, and one son, Gordon Sawyer (Carol) of Rainbow Lake. Alma leaves behind her dearly loved 21 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. With a thankful heart and much love she leaves her three loyal and loving caregivers, MaryLou Cassavaugh, Debbie Wonderly and Anita Gochenaur.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake on Friday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. A Mass of Christian burial will immediately follow at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake at 12:30 p.m. on Friday with the Rev. Paul Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Family and friends attending in person calling hours and funeral services are asked to please follow all COVID-19 recommendations including social distancing and wearing a mask. Due to the extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sawyer family understands that it may make it difficult for some to attend. For those unable to attend the funeral service will also be webcast on Fortune-Keough Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

Family and friends can share their memories, video condolences and written condolences at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Alma’s honor should make it to St. Bernard’s School.