Geraldine P. Sawyer

Holden- Geraldine “Geri” (Parlengas) Sawyer, of Holden, died Sunday, February 12, 2023.  She was born on April 28, 1936 to Michael and Ida Parlengas in Holyoke, MA. Her husband, Donald L. Sawyer, predeceased her on April 13, 1993.  She was also predeceased by a sister, Elaine Baker and two brothers, Ronald Parlengas and Angelo Parlengas.

Geri is survived by her very good friend, Carol Ellis; sisters-in-law, Carol Parlengas, Phyllis Parlengas and Loretta Parlengas; stepchildren, Deborah Cook and her husband, Randy, of Waterville, ME, Jonathan Sawyer and Jill of Holden, David Sawyer of Minn; three step grandchildren, Ryan Cook, Chelsey (Cook) Facerlund and husband, Jeff, and Amanda Sawyer; nieces and nephews, George Baker and wife, Carin, Maureen Baker, John Baker and wife, Margaret, Linda (Parlengas) Connors and husband, Richard, Debra (Parlengas) Taffe and husband, Kelly, Donna (Parlengas) Daly and husband, William, Ronald Parlengas and wife, Kimberly, David Parlengas and wife, Laurie, and Michael Parlengas. Geri also leaves many grand nephews and nieces as well as her cherished great grandnephew Slater (Baker) Cote who brought her pure, joyful smiles at Christmas time. 

She graduated from Venerini Academy and earned her degree from Anna Maria College.  She entered the Order of Venerini Sisters and taught in many schools for 24years.  During her teaching years, Geri worked summers at Girls, Inc., in Worcester, summer camp in Kingston, RI, and Cards, Etc., in Worcester.  She spent a year working as a homemaker and health aid for Catholic Charities in Fitchburg. Geri was also a consultant for Princess House and Mary Kay Cosmetics and enjoyed a 28year career in the Worcester Diocesan Tribunal.  She a devoted member of Saint George’s Church in Worcester, a Red Hat member, a Venerini associate and a kitchen volunteer for the Senior Center.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Sawyer family at St. George’s Church, 40 Brattle Street, Worcester on Tuesday, February 21^st, 2023 from 9:00am until 10:00am with a Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00am.  Burial will take place in Portland, Maine at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Geri’s name to Venerini Academy, 23 Edward St., Worcester, MA 01605.