Alma Sawyer

Alma B. Sawyer, 97, went to be with the Lord on October 12, 2020. She passed at home with her family and caregivers by her side.

Alma was born October 3, 1923 in Redford, NY to Daniel and Jane Charbonneau.

She graduated from Assumption of Mary School in Redford, NY. Alma married Gordon R. (Reggie) Sawyer on April 5, 1942. She lived in Saranac Lake the majority of her life and worked as a waitress in numerous restaurants in the area. She also worked at AMA, and The Saranac Lake Adult Center.

Alma was known best for her sewing and knitting and had quite the following at the local holiday craft shows. Her many talents are displayed in homes throughout the North Country on tables decorated with her beautiful placemats and runners. Not only her own grandchildren benefited from her cozy warm sweaters but many children in the area could be found sporting her sturdy stitches, that were purchased for a fair price at Sparkle Village. Alma was an avid Pinochle player. She was a fierce competitor at Will Rogers, and Adult Center tournaments. She honed her skill while playing her weekly games at home with her children and good friend, Betty Dora.

Alma was predeceased by her husband, Reggie, two daughters Regina Benware (Tom), and Bonnie Easton (Chuck), her grandson, Seth Arlington Sawyer, and great-granddaughter, Hope Arise Trudeau. She is survived by her daughters, Judy O’dell (Charlie), of Saranac Lake, Susan Andrews (Glenn) of Plattsburgh, Sherry Knapp (Paul) of Lake Clear, Donna Trudeau Cantwell (Rick) and (Bobby) of Onchiota, and one son, Gordon Sawyer (Carol) of Rainbow Lake. Alma leaves behind her dearly loved 21 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. With a thankful heart and much love she leaves her 3 loyal and loving caregivers, MaryLou Cassavaugh, Debbie Wonderly, and Anita Gochenaur.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake, NY on Friday October 16, 2020 from 10 AM to 12:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake at 12:30PM on Friday with Rev. Paul Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery in Saranac Lake. Family and friends attending in person calling hours and funeral services are asked to please follow all COVID-19 recommendations including social distancing and wearing a mask. Due to the extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic the Sawyer family understands that it may make it difficult for some to attend. For those unable to attend the funeral service will also be webcast on Fortune¬-Keough Funeral Homes facebook page.

Family and friends can share their memories, video condolences, written condolences at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Alma’s honor should be made to St. Bernard’s School.