Dorothy Marguerite Sawyer

Sept. 4, 1922 - Sept. 25, 2010

Dorothy Marguerite Sawyer passed away peacefully on September 25, 2010, a warm autumn day, at her daughter's home in Lafayette, California. She was 88 years old.

Dorothy was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on September 4, 1922, to Gladys and Frederick Smardon.

Dorothy ventured away from home to begin a glamorous career with the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Dorothy met Otto (Tom) Harold Sawyer and moved to Vallejo, California, where they began the businesses of Sawyer-Young Auto Sales and Tom Sawyer Boat Sales. Dorothy attended Vallejo Junior College and graduated from Sonoma State University, earning her B.A. degree (cum laude) and teaching credential, and San Francisco State University, earning her master's degree in teaching English as a second language. Dorothy taught TEOFL at the Vallejo Adult School in addition to working for the U.S. government's Internal Revenue Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, from where she retired at the age of 72.

Dorothy lived with her son and daughter-in-law in the Hawaiian Islands for one delightful year, enjoying their company, the sand, surf and tropical breezes.

Dorothy's loves were many, including the French language, opera, symphony and theater. She had a passion for working in her garden, where she would toil for hours on end, annually producing a bounty of vegetables. Dorothy was devoted to her family as they were to her. She will be remembered for her enthusiastic approach to life, her incredible sense of style, the inspiration that she gave to the many who knew her and for her beautiful smile.

Dorothy was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Tom Sawyer; her parents, Gladys and Frederick Smardon; her sister, Alvah, and her brothers, Fred, Walter, Gordon, Roy, Wesley and Byron. She is survived by her loving family; son, Roger (Patricia) Sawyer of Vallejo; daughter, Sandra (Fred) Pazos of Lafayette; grandchildren, Joshua Sawyer, Gillian (Charletto) Valenzuela , Latisha (Eddie) Duran, Rich, Adam, Kyle and Marina; 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy will be deeply missed, but her indomitable spirit will forever be in our hearts.

Family and friends are invited to funeral and graveside services to be held Saturday, October 2nd, at noon at the Rockville Chapel, located on Suisun Valley Road in Fairfield. Contributions can be made to Hospice of the East Bay or to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, (707) 552-6696.