Jacqueline J. Sawyer

LEWISTON- Jacqueline J. "Jackie" Sawyer, 83, a lifelong resident of Lewiston, passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2026, surrounded by family, prayer, and peace after a long journey with Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Lewiston in May 1943, Jackie was the daughter of Yvette and Gregoire "Jack" Baillargeon. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1962 and later attended the University of Southern Maine's Lewiston-Auburn College.

Jackie was a strong and courageous woman who faced even the long road of Alzheimer's with dignity and grace, supported by the devoted care of her family and friends. She remained safe and lovingly cared for at home until the end of her earthly journey, when her family takes comfort in believing she was reunited in Heaven with her loving husband of 31 years, Vaughn C. Sawyer Sr.

Jackie loved her family - and everyone fortunate enough to become part of her extended family - with everything she had. She treasured family gatherings and was always finding a reason to bring everyone together. She never met a stranger, and throughout the years, her warmth, personality, and unmistakable presence made her well known and loved across the community.

Jackie was the very definition of a classy lady, with just the right touch of sass. She dressed beautifully every day, with her hair perfectly styled and her lipstick always on point. She simply did not leave the house without putting on her lipstick - not even for a trip to the emergency room.

She also had a legendary sweet tooth. Her family could always count on finding a basket filled with chocolate bars waiting by the door, along with no fewer than six different flavors of ice cream in the freezer. To Jackie, there was always room for something sweet - and usually enough to share.

Jackie devoted many years to her work and her community. She worked at Porteous in Auburn for 17 years and then at the Lewiston Housing Authority for 23 years. An industrious woman with many talents, she operated a home-based income tax business for more than 30 years and held an associate real estate broker's license for more than 20 years. She also served as recording secretary for AFSCME Local 1458.

Her faith and service to others were central parts of her life. Jackie was a lifelong member of Holy Family Church and served with the Ladies of St. Ann. She was a co-coordinator and facilitator for St. Mary's Grieving Group II and an adult facilitator with Androscoggin Home Health's Programs for Grieving Children and Teens. Having known firsthand how grief feels, Jackie used her compassion and strength to help others find their way through grief.

Jackie embraced life with enthusiasm. She belonged to the Red Hat Society's "Crimson Cats" and volunteered at The Public Theatre. She loved home-improvement projects, tending her flower garden, and creating beautiful floral arrangements.

Most of all, Jackie loved to travel. Her adventures took her to Germany, Mexico, England, Paris, Spain, Canada, Italy, London, and Rome, as well as 19 states across the United States. Wherever she went, Jackie brought her curiosity, her elegance, and of course - her lipstick.

Jackie is survived by her three children, Vaughn C. Sawyer Jr. of Lewiston; Lisa Sawyer and her husband, Roger Sawyer, of Lewiston; and Alma G. Gomez and her husband, Jesus, of Spain. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Vaughn C. Sawyer III, Nicole O'Brien and her husband, Chris O'Brien, Alison Buck, Nathan Sawyer, Eliana Sawyer, Ana Lopez, and Flavia Lopez; her great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Buck, Delilah Buck, Noella Buck, Remmington Buck, Joline Sawyer, and Reese Sawyer; and the many extended family members and friends whom she loved as her own.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Vaughn C. Sawyer Sr.; her parents, Yvette and Gregoire "Jack" Baillargeon; her sister, Irene Begin; and her deeply loved grandson, Ryder Sawyer.

Jackie will be remembered as a caring, courageous, classy, and sassy woman of faith - a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She brought people together, made room for everyone, and faced life with strength, style, and a little something sweet close at hand. Her family will miss her beautiful presence, her generous heart, and the love she gave so freely.

Jackie's visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24th from 5:00-7:00PM at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 305 Alfred A Plourde Parkway, Lewiston. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday September 26th at 10:30AM at Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus Street, Lewiston, interment will follow immediately after at St Peter's Cemetery, Lewiston. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ladies of St. Ann at Holy Family Parish in Lewiston, attention Anita Grenier.