Josephine "Dolly" Sawyer

Josephine was born in Portland, ME on March 23, 1936, the daughter of Leonardo and Angelina (Calabrese) Colello. Josephine grew up in Portland and lived most of her life in the Munjoy Hill area where she met her sweetheart and love of her life Harold J. Sawyer.

Josephine worked several jobs throughout the years, most recently as a school crossing guard. She enjoyed working with the children, parents, and teachers. She worked at many different sites as schools closed and moved over the years.

Josephine loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with her husband and family, including a memorable trip with her brother Sam to their parents’ hometown of Vieste, Foggia, Italy.

After the death of her husband, Josephine motivated herself by being an integral part of her daughter and grandsons’ lives by attending every event, performance, and ceremony. Josephine loved caring for her family, cooking many delicious dishes and entertaining family and friends at her home and also at her summer camp on Bonny Eagle Lake.

Josephine was a determined woman who never questioned her decisions once made. Those who knew her will miss her unique blend of stubbornness and grace.

Josephine is survived by her daughter Patty Jo Walton, grandsons Justin S. Walton and his wife Daria, William L. Walton II, and Harold J. Walton; great-grandson Philip Levon Walton, born this past September. She is also survived by her brother Salvatore Colella, her sister Philomena and husband Frank Chiaravelotti, and her twin brother Marco Colello. Also surviving her is her sister-in-law Doris Colello; and sister-in-law Norma and husband James Larrivee, and many dear nieces and nephews.

Josephine was predeceased by her husband Harold J. Sawyer, her parents, and a very special aunt and uncle that she was very close to, Mary and Guiseppi Mangoni. She was also predeceased by several sisters: Michaelina Boyle, Mary Sears, Emmanuela Osborne, and Christine Kosnow and brothers, Gaetano, Matthew, and John Colello; and most recently by son-in-law William L. Walton.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, March 18, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland.

Prayers will be recited on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a. m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland with Rev.Greg Dube celebrating.

Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

For those wishing, in lieu of flowers, take a senior citizen to lunch, shopping, or a ride in Josephine’s memory.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Josephine’s guestbook.