Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

1940 - 2025

BORN

1940

DIED

2025

About

Orem High School Westminster College

Carol Sawaya Obituary

Carol Cheminant Sawaya

1940-2025

St. George, Utah-Carol Cheminant Sawaya was born on August 11, 1940, in Ely, Nevada, to Robert Byrd Cheminant and Oleta Elizabeth McGinnis Cheminant. She passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025. Due to her father's work with Standard Oil, the family moved frequently during her childhood, eventually settling in Orem, Utah, where Carol graduated from Orem High School in 1958.

In 1962, Carol married Donald Sawaya. They shared 61years together until Donald's passing in 2023. They had three children: Geof, Elizabeth, and Steven.

Carol pursued her passion for education, earning a Bachelor's degree from Westminster College. She spent much of her career as a high school English teacher at West Jordan High School.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Sawaya Boggs; her son, Steven Sawaya, and daughter-in-law, Amber Sawaya; her grandchildren, Ella and Max Boggs; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Leslie Cheminant; her son, Geof Sawaya; and his daughters Myrrandah and Shakira.

Carol loved animals, especially cats. She also had a love of travel and created cherished memories during trips throughout Europe and the United States. Carol was active with both the Salt Lake and St. George chapters of AAUW.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Intermountain Hospice and the dedicated team at The Cottages at Legacy Village in St. George, Utah, for their compassionate care.

At Carol's request, there will be no funeral service. To honor her memory, friends and loved ones are invited to make a donation to the Humane Society of Utah.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 27 to Jan. 30, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Carol Sawaya

13 Entries

Linda Bayes

February 12, 2025

Carol was always a joyful English Department colleague at WJHS. Also, I remember we taught several teachers how to use e-mail in the 1990's. When I returned to school after my father died, I was blessed with her wonderful, original poem entitled, "Monet Morning." Impressed with her ideas and contributions to our school, I nominated her for a Huntsman Award, but she decided to retire instead of receiving the award. I did see her once in St. George where Don said, "You can't shovel sunshine." Peace be with both of them and your family.

Troy Black

February 8, 2025

How awya how awya Sawaya! She changed my life. I probably wouldn't have graduated if she hadn't stepped in. She also took on the Black Jags men's dance team and my brother was part of that. I still remember going to a competition and she remembered exactly who I was. I'm sad to hear of he passing and grateful she was such an influence in my life!

Cindy Johnson

February 8, 2025

Carol was always so kind and loving towards me. I hold the memories of here dear to my heart, and always have. Godspeed Carol. You will always hold a special place in my heart

Annette Chaus

Planted Trees

James and Joyce Sawaya family

Planted Trees

Bill Kilpack

February 2, 2025

Carol Sawaya was not only one of my favorite teachers, but one of the most significant. She encouraged me in my writing and, to this day, she is the only high-school teacher on the dedication page in my novels (the other sharing a line with her was an amazing teacher from middle school). Broke my heart to see this, but I know she made her mark and will be fondly remembered by many.

Natalie Rentmeister-Mochizuki

January 30, 2025

My condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Sawaya. She was a wonderful, kind teacher. She was also very helpful and compassionate at a time I really needed it. I´m so thankful for her.

Ed Farnsworth

January 30, 2025

Former student, Class of '95. I recall that she loved the literature she taught, and wouldn't let me phone in my essays. When she could tell I wasn't giving her my best, she called me on it, and I'm thankful for that.

Chad Patterson

January 30, 2025

My favorite teacher 12th grade English 1984. She was very understanding and helpful so that I would pass you will be missed more than you know. R.I.P.

Karen Sawaya

January 30, 2025

I will miss my Aunt Carol who has known me from baby to old lady. My hope is that she has reunited with her missed love ones, is pain free and has a comfy chair and a good book. May she rest in peace.

Candace Johnson Thomas

January 30, 2025

Mrs. Sawaya changed my life. A. Timid dyslexic teenager who didn't believe in herself, Mrs. Sawaya believed wholeheartedly in my creativity. She instilled the belief that I could do whatever I wanted, when I didn't believe it myself. I've been searching for her for years so I could give her my award-winning book where I acknowledged her personally. I hope she knew how many lives she changed and inspired. She was my favorite teacher and I treasure her.
Family, please contact me if you can so I can share with you my tribute.

Brenda Crooks

January 29, 2025

I taught with Carol years ago. She was a wonderful teacher. My condolences to her children, grandchildren, and many friends.

Deanne B. Curtis

January 28, 2025

I worked with Carol at West Jordan High. She was such a delight. She was a fantastic teacher, she loved her students and wanted the very best education for them. She has passed on such a great legacy to her children and grandchildren. May your memories bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results