Ulla-Vivan Vicki Sawyer

Ulla Vivan (Vicki) Sawyer passed away October 24, 2015 in Turlock, CA at the age of 93. She was born in 1921 in Sodermanland, Sweden, the only child of Simon and Austrid Petterson. In 1923, she immigrated with her parents to the United States. Her father changed the family name to Barclay due to immigrant discrimination at the time. The family lived in Chicago before eventually moving West. In Glendale she met her future husband Elton at the Five & Dime Store. They were introduced by Elton’s father, Curtis Sawyer. Elton & Vicki were wed in 1942 and were happily married for 70 years, until Elton’s death. Vicki became a US Citizen in 1944. Vicki Sawyer led a full and vibrant life. She had a knack for making people feel comfortable. She was the ultimate hostess and made everything she was involved in look effortless. She catered Swedish smorgasbord for private parties, volunteered with disabled adults and baked thousands of cookies & sweets at Christmas to share.

After Elton’s retirement as a Los Angeles police officer, the couple traveled the world on cruise ships where Vicki worked as an Entertainer & Arts & Craft director in exchange for their passage. She had a beautiful voice! They made 20 ‘around the world’ voyages and traveled over 300,000 nautical miles during their 20 years aboard cruise ships. In 1994 Vicki & Elton moved to Turlock where they settled into retirement at Covenant Village. Here she continued her beloved Swedish traditions with her cooking, decorating and entertaining her canasta friends. She sold handmade cards and original paintings at the annual Scandifest festival that celebrated the Swedish heritage of the community. At CVOT she loved singing with the church choir and was often asked to sing solo for events. Vicki is preceded in death by her beloved husband Elton (1921-2012). She is survived by her three sons: Tom (Cathi), Greg and Dan; 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Covenant Care Center as well as Covenant Care Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at Covenant Village Care Center Dining Room in Turlock, CA at 2:00pm on Saturday, Nov 7, 2015. 2125 N Olive Ave, Turlock, CA 95382

Donations can be made in her honor to Salvation Army of Turlock, CA.

893 Lander Ave, Turlock, CA 95380

Arrangements are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service of Turlock, (209) 634-4904,

www.dignitymemorial.com/whitehurst-norton-dias-funeral-service.