Ancilla Marie MacNichol
February 17, 1958 ~ March 17, 2025
Born in:
Old Town, ME
Resided in:
Portland, ME
Ancilla Marie (St. Peter) MacNichol
There is a saying, “If you’re handed it, you will handle it”
I was handed breast cancer twice, and I handled it. I was handed MS, and I have been handling it. But, the final blow came from pancreatic cancer. If you’re reading this now, it was the knockout punch.
However, through these various setbacks, I consider myself lucky to be able to write my own obituary.
I passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the age of 67 in my home of 30 years surrounded by my family. I was at peace, and experienced death with dignity.
I was born February 17, 1958, in Old Town to Lenoard and Priscilla (St. Louis) St. Peter. I am survived by my father Lenoard.
My greatest joy in life was giving birth to my daughter, Leah. My baby girl. I created a home full of laughter, honesty, and a welcoming space for all her friends. Raising my daughter with a strong will, good work ethics, and a sense of humor was my life’s work. I will always be with you Sweet P.
And the journey just kept going! The love of my life, Buzz Sawyer, and I enjoyed 29 years of true companionship, and his son, Eric, rounded out our family unit. My memories with them are full of laughter.
For my career of 45 years, I was a payroll professional for Maine National Bank, ADP (my other family), and Shalom House. When I wasn’t working, I liked to spend my time with a good book, sharing a laugh, swapping a story, or passing the time with a friendly (and sometimes not so friendly!) good ol’ competitive game with my family. We had a lot of fun, didn’t we? All in all, it was the little things in life that made it all worthwhile, like planting sunflowers in the backyard and watching them slowly bloom.
I am survived by my husband and life partner, Roland “Buzz” Sawyer, my daughter Leah MacNichol and her husband Mike Hilleary; my stepson, Eric Sawyer and his partner Susan Fasulo; my siblings, Lenny and his wife Bunny St. Peter, Paul and his wife Susannah St. Peter, Mike his wife Francis St. Peter, Danny St. Peter and his partner Alex Carrio, Carol her husband Tom Mooney, and Kristy St. Peter her partner Mike Tuell; and many loving nieces & nephews, and great nieces & nephews.
When I reach the next realm, I will be greeted by my beloved mother, Priscilla, and sister, Sharron. I look forward to being at peace and watching over my family.
A Celebration of Life will take place in the Spring, at a date to be announced.
Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland, 172 State St. Portland. To view my memorial page or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Hospice of Southern Maine, at 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074, or online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/donate.
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An,
I will remember you always dancing at the Sea Dogs game years ago, having a great time without a care in the world. What a fun night. Sorry we never did it again. Keep dancing friend.
My condolences to Buzz and Leah and all your family and friends.
To Ann’s family. I grew up across the street from her and we spent nights in each other’s house. I love the whole family. Lenny and Priscilla were like another set of parents. I remember their pony Nikki they kept at my Pe’pe’s farm. Please except my condolences and know your in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Ann.
I did not have the honor of having known Ancilla, but both my daughter and I were touched // moved in the reading of her self- written obituary elsewhere earlier today. I marvel at the courage and fortitude given to your Dearly Beloved in coping with the catastrophic health issues that had befallen her, and rejoice in that she was granted that courage in abundance, in like similitude to my own wife, born exactly a week before An, who passed from cancer in 2005. My friend, I am at a loss for the right words to help ease the pain of the loss of one so special, but know that of a truth, my heart goes out to you and to your family , in deep sincerity at this time surrounding the departure of a FIGHTER, a WARRIOR, and a CHAMPION, of whom you all are doubtless, justifiably proud. This sweet lady is an inspiration to us all, and may you find solace in the fact that your lives were graced and enriched by the presence and vitality of one so remarkably special. I offer my profound condolences to you all.
I did not have the honor of having known Ancilla, but both my daughter and I were touched // moved in the reading of her self- written obituary elsewhere earlier today. I marvel at the courage and fortitude given to your Dearly Beloved in coping with the catastrophic health issues that had befallen her, and rejoice in that she was granted that courage in abundance, in like similitude to my own wife, born exactly a week before An, who passed from cancer in 2005. My friend, I am at a loss for the right words to help ease the pain of the loss of one so special, but know that of a truth, my heart goes out to you and to your family , in deep sincerity at this time surrounding the departure of a FIGHTER, a WARRIOR, and a CHAMPION, of whom you all are doubtless, justifiably proud. This sweet lady is an inspiration to us all, and may you find solace in the fact that your lives were graced and enriched by the presence and vitality of one so remarkably special. I offer my profound condolences to you all.
Buzz and Family, I am so sorry to learn of Ann’s passing. I will always remember Ann as being friendly to everybody during our high school years. I am sending my sincere condolences to you, Buzz, and your family.
Debbie Gott
While it’s been a bit since we’ve seen each other, my world shines a bit less bright without you in it.
Forever your Jackie “O”
I am so sorry for your loss Buzz and Leah. Ann was a great woman, always so strong! We worked together at ADP many years ago in the So Portland office, she was always so funny, helpful and kind.