Lois A. Sawtell

Lois A. Sawtell, 88, longtime resident of Guilford, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2022 in East Haven, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Lois was born in New Haven, CT on April 26, 1933 to Edward and Mildred Augur and graduated from Hill House High School. At a young age she was taught how to knit and sew which she would carry on throughout her adult life.  After high school she went on to work at Southern New England Telephone Company for several years.  Lois was an active participant in many activities at Trinity Church on the Green in New Haven.  It was at a church function where she met the love of her life.

Lois married Thomas V. Sawtell on June 27, 1953 at Trinity Church where they had made lifelong friends.   They then moved to Cape May, New Jersey where Tom served in the United States Coast Guard. Upon moving to Guilford, Lois enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom, raising her two children and renovating a century old farmhouse.  During this time, she was actively involved in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, her church and represented Avon products for many years.  Lois perfected her skills as an accomplished seamstress, crafting custom wedding gowns for many local brides.  Being an avid swimmer, she later became a water aerobics instructor, a passion she enjoyed well into her 70’s.   Lois was a passionate gardener and was recently recognized for being a 50-year member and past president of the Guilford Garden Club.

Together, Lois and Tom belonged to the International Guild of Miniature Artisans and enjoyed many trips to Williamsburg, VA where they learned to craft museum quality miniatures.
A love of the ocean led Lois and Tom to obtain their scuba diving certification in their mid-50’s.  They spent many years traveling to Bermuda where they enjoyed diving, exploring the island and making lifelong friendships with local Bermudians.

Lois is survived by a son, Edward Thomas and Elizabeth Sawtell of Cape Coral, Florida as well as a daughter Rebecca and Jeffrey Peterson of Plymouth, CT.  Lois has three grandchildren, Brittany Peterson of Farmington, Richard Sawtell and Erica Coppens of Cape Coral, Florida and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Doris Shapiro of Princeton, New Jersey and a brother, Edward Augur of Syracuse, New York and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held at the convenience of the family. Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St. Terryville is assisting with the arrangements. www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

Lois’ children wish to extend their sincere gratitude to Lori Bradstreet who was her devoted caregiver for the past three years.

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