Patricia Ann (Roche) Sawyer

South Portland, Maine- Patricia Ann (Roche) Sawyer, 84, passed away on April 21, 2026, at Pinnacle Health, South Portland Nursing Home.

Patricia was born August 1, 1941, in Portland.  She is the daughter of the late Edwin Wilfred and Mary Elizabeth (Keating) Roche. She grew up in Portland and attended Portland High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, David Sawyer.  They were married when Pat was 18 and they left Maine soon after to live the military life with the Marine Corps.  They raised their two daughters in homes across the country and in Germany, returning to Maine after 22 years for retirement.

Pat went on to pursue her dreams of a career in healthcare.  She became a nursing home administrator in California and then returned to Maine to set up and roll out the first healthcare insurance plans for retired military personnel at Martin’s Point Healthcare.  She took great pride in the work she did and adored her military retirees.  She finished her career at 60, only due to illness.

Pat loved to travel and made many trips to Disney World with her family.  She and her mother took many long car trips together  to Palm Coast, Nashville, New Orleans, and across the country and loved their adventures. Her favorite week of the year was ‘Camp week’.  Lake Pemaquid was the place she loved spending the annual camping week with her family.  It was a tradition spanning well over 50 years!  Pat was the heart of her family in every possible way.

Pat was a leader.  While carrying the burden of lymphoma treatment, she chose to focus on starting the first Red Hat Society chapter at the Cancer Community Center. Pat found friends who loved her wherever she was.

Pat spent the last year of her life as a resident at Pinnacle Health and Rehab in South Portland.  She made remarkable connections with the staff and residents there. She no doubt left an unforgettable memory with each person she knew there.  Pat spent her days at Pinnacle playing Bingo, coloring, and having long and meaningful talks with those she loved.   The family wants to thank the entire staff at Pinnacle for their unending support of Pat as she navigated her final chapter of life.  Their unwavering love and care was a tremendous gift.

Pat is survived by her daughters Linda Martel and Suzanne Sawyer, and her son in law Dale Martel.  Grandchildren Shawna Martel and partner Sage Thayer, Rebecca Brosseau, and Kristy Holden. Her brother James Roche, sister Cynthia Fletcher, and brother in law Michael Fletcher. Nieces and Nephews Jen, Heidi, Tommy, Susie, and Jeanne. Cousins Jan Haskell, Susan Galbraith, Monica Langley, and Carol Ridlon.  Honorary grand baby Van.  Pat is also survived by many very special people who were both family and friends.

In addition to her mother and father, Pat is predeceased by her brother Thomas Roche, Sr., sister in laws Marylou Roche and Betsy Roche, nephew Jayson Roche, and aunt and uncle Whitney and Virginia Haskell.

Relatives and Friends are welcome to gather at the Conroy – Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway South Portland on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM to join Pat’s Funeral procession to the Highland Memorial Cemetery, South Portland for an 11 AM Graveside Service.