Obituary of Wilma Jean Sawyer

Wilma Jean Sawyer passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Hamot Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born in Conneaut, OH on March 7, 1930, the third of nine children to Edgar and Mary (Powell) Blood. Born premature, she was small enough to fit in a shoe box and an expectation that she would not survive more than a few days. She beat that by 95 years, in good health and mind up until her passing. After graduating from Conneaut High School class of 1948, Wilma lived for a time in the big city of Cleveland with her sister Lois, working at 20th Century Fox. She returned to Conneaut and worked at the News Herald. She met her future life partner and husband, Ed Sawyer and after a brief courtship, they married October 25th, 1961. He whisked her away to Pennsylvania where she spent her remaining years. They moved a few times then settled on a small farm in Waterford, raising their three children and a variety of animals. Wilma enjoyed the solitude of country life but was always ready to travel with Ed on long vacations throughout the United States and overseas. They filled many albums with memories, and her camera was ever-present for those patient enough for a pose. Wilma enjoyed bridge, playing with her husband and three other couples once a month for many years and taking home the season championship on a few occasions. She was a gracious hostess and welcomed many visitors who looked forward to her well prepared dinners and kind words. With Ed's health, she was very careful about their diet, ensuring that they eat right and exercise regularly. Cookies were replaced with her famous bran muffins, much to the consternation of her husband and children. She was a loyal fan of Clay Aiken and of professional golf, though she never swung a club. Wilma is survived by her children Sue (Jeff) Rupp, Jim (Martha) Sawyer, Rob (Debbie) Sawyer and grandchildren Mark Rupp, Jessica (Adam) Rinaldi, Emily Sawyer and Megan Sawyer as well as her siblings Bill Blood, Nancy Mullens and Norma Wheeler. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, parents, and siblings Edgar Jr, Betty, Lois, Richard and David. The family would like to thank the staff at The Residence at Presque Isle for their kindness and attention to Wilma for the past 18 months as well as the Hamot staff these past few days who eased her into her next journey. Wilma will be laid to rest next to her husband in East Conneaut Cemetery in a private graveside service. Online guestbook and condolences available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Erie City Mission or Meals on Wheels, Erie.