CAMDEN – Mildred Robash Sawyer, 85, of Camden, formerly of Farmington, South Portland, and Madison, died on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 at Windward Gardens Center in Camden.
Mildred came from humble beginnings, born in Dixfield on May 4, 1924, a daughter of Carroll H. and Florence A. (Giffin) Gile. She grew up in Franklin County singing with her sisters, graduating from Phillips High School. She also worked in sporting camps and resorts in Rangeley. Mildred attended Farmington Normal School for one year and graduated from Wilfred Beauty Academy in Boston, beginning her 50-year career as a beautician.
She was married to Stanley Robash for over 25 years before he passed away in 1971. Mildred and Stanley lived in Farmington before moving to South Portland where they resided for many years. In 1973 Mildred married Norman Sawyer, who passed away in 2003. They moved to Madison in 1975 where she continued to work as a beautician at Maplecrest Nursing Home. In 2004 Mildred moved to Hope, Maine beside her daughter Judy and her husband Tim before moving to Camden.
Mildred’s children and her grandchildren were her pride and joy but she also enjoyed singing, dancing, and roller skating, while jumping rope blindfolded. Mildred was a member of the Eastern Star, VFW Ladies Auxiliary South Portland Post 832, and the Madison Women’s Club.
Mildred is survived by two daughters, Edrie Blake and her husband Thomas of South Portland, and Judith Pearse and her husband Timothy of Hope; a son James Robash and his wife Cynthia of Gorham; seven grandchildren, Amanda, Justin, Katherine, Michelle, Bethany, Courtney, and Joshua; eight great grandchildren, Calvin, Ezra, Adelaide, Autumn, Wylee, Madison, Harper, Neko, and one on the way; a sister Marion Smith of Farmington; a brother William Gile and his wife Laura of Rangeley; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her two husbands Stanley and Norman, and four sisters Muriel, Edrie, Nathalie, and Ruth.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at the First Congregational Church (Old South) of Farmington at 2 p.m. with Rev. Scott Planting officiating. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Fairview Cemetery in Farmington. Arrangements under the direction of Adams~McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St., Farmington. Those wishing may send online condolences to the family through the funeral home Web site www.adamsmcfarlane.com.
