SOUTH CHINA – Anne (Sawyer) Fortin passed away on the afternoon of Feb. 11, 2021, at home at the age of 87, with daughter, Audrey. at her side. Anne was born on Oct. 8 or 9, 1933 in Fort Fairfield to Lewis S. and Beryl (Staples) Sawyer.

She met her future husband, Gerard (Jerry) Fortin, in Bristol, Conn. while both were working at the McLellan’s Dept. store. She from Ft. Fairfield and he from Augusta! This past October they celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary. Anne was 21 when they married, Jerry was only 20 and could not wait the two days till his birthday to marry! He had to get his parents permission to marry! 56 years of their married life has been in So. China.

Anne grew up in Ft. Fairfield amongst the potato fields. She often told us how she used to pick potatoes alongside the German POW’s.

She was a country girl who loved gardening and putting up her own canned goods. She made the best relish! She also loved reading, photography, flowers, sewing-from doll clothes to her children’s clothes. Knitting was also one of her talents. She enjoyed sitting on the shore with a good book while Jerry and the kids fished.

Anne is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jerry; three children, Joan (Tim) Chaffee of Clinton, Audrey Fortin of So. China, Neal (Stacy) Fortin of Riverside, Calif., also, Norman Black of Weeks Mills, whom she thought of as a second son.

She is also suvived by grandchildren, Cheslie (Eric) Kaherl of Winthrop, and Elizabeth (Xavier) Fonseca of Ontario, Calif.; great-grandchildren, Katie, Jessica and Michael Kaherl, and Anne Fonseca; sister, Lillian Denison of So. Paris; several nieces and nephews; special great great nephew William Sawyer Dowell of Kentucky; cousin-in-law Jeanette Michaud of Augusta, favorite cousin Kermit Staples of Connor Twp.; special and long time friends, Julia Marois of South China and Alice Baxter of Weeks Mills.

She was predeceased by brothers Bill and Paul Sawyer of Ft. Fairfield, sister, Louise Hill of Magnolia, Ky., special cousin Agnela (Marie) Staples of Caribou; nephew Earl Hill; and sister-in-law Cecile Chaisson.

A special thank you to Northern Light Hospice and Plummer Funeral Home. Burial will be in the spring with family and friends. Rest in peace, Mom

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