Jeannette Perkins Sawyer, of Bridgewater VT, passed away on September 26, 2024, following a brief illness.

Jeannette was born on January 3,1940 to James Neville Perkins and Florence Annie Cameron. She was lovingly raised by her father and her "Grammy Green", who moved into the Perkins home after Jeannette's mother passed away. Jeannette proudly lived in Bridgewater her entire life, spending her childhood playing along the banks of the Ottaquechee River and in the pastures and fields behind her home. Jeannette attended the Bridgewater Village School and was a 1958 graduate of Woodstock Union High School. After high school she attended school in Bennington to earn her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In 1961 she married the love of her life, Robert Sawyer. Together they created a beautiful life for their 3 children, teaching the pleasures of life, such as gardening, fishing, and simply being outdoors. Jeannette worked for Dartmouth Medical Center (formerly known as Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital) as an LPN/ Surgical Technician and later after receiving her RN degree from Norwich, as an RN and Clinical Coordinator of several operating room services. She worked there for over 25 years.

After retiring, Jeannette poured her heart and soul into spending time with her grandchildren, researching and archiving her family history and into re-instituting the Bridgewater Historical Society, where she was a current member and valued leader. Jeannette was known for her generosity and kindness, always lending an ear or a helping hand. Over the years she opened her heart and home to Fresh Air children and international students. She had been town health officer, a member of the rescue squad, the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and the Grange.

Family was important to Jeannette. Fondly known as "Geema", she had an endearing and close connection to her grandchildren. Throughout the years, the family home in Bridgewater was the gathering spot for holidays and celebrations. The memories made there will be cherished forever. Anyone who knew Jeannette, knew she was passionate about her Golden Retrievers. Over the past 40 years, she and Bob raised six of them, and they were always by her side.

In the summer Jeannette could be seen tending her many beautiful gardens and flower boxes. Park Purple Petunias were her favorite. She enjoyed walking her beloved Golden Retrievers on back roads and sitting on the front porch for "wine time". Many summers were spent Camping with family and friends on Lake Champlain, where she enjoyed hooking into a big bass, kayaking, and waking up early to view the beauty of the sunrise and the sound of calling loons. She remained an active woman throughout her later years, and was proud of summiting many mountains with her hiking group, including Mt. Washington, at the age of 60.

In addition to her parents, Jeannette was predeceased by her half sister Helen Knapp. She is survived by her husband, Robert, sons Michael (Sandra) and Mark, daughter Kelly Ferguson (Jeff) and grandchildren Christopher, Nicholas, Brittany, Jamie, Jacob, Leandra and Gunnar, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She leaves her dear lifelong friend/sister and "partner in crime" Sondra Stevens, who was lovingly by her side throughout her illness. Jeannette had a close relationship with many special cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She will be greatly missed.

Cabot Funeral Home is assisting the family. At Jeannette's request there will be no service at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring with a date to be announced at a later time. An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com. Please share your favorite stories about Jeannette. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to make a donation in her name to The Bridgewater Historical Society P.O Box 98, Bridgewater VT, 05034.