Eleanor Madeline Sawyer

October 20, 1925 - July 18, 2025

Eleanor Madeline Sawyer; Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt and friend  went to be with our Lord on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Eleanor was born in Sparks, Nevada on October  20,1925 to Ferdinando & Carrie Kay Lazzarotto. Eleanor was the youngest of three children and raised by a strong Italian mother who practiced her heritage not only in her cooking but how a lady is expected to behave and work hard for your family. Eleanor was a model example of her heritage.

After graduating from McFarland High School, she met the love of her life and married Robert Charles Sawyer on February 25, 1944 in McFarland, California.  They were married 67 years. During WWII  the couple moved to Hobbs New Mexico where they met life long friends while supporting the USA.

Eleanor was a terrific mother who was very active in community affairs to support her three sons in Sports and FFA projects. She worked for the McFarland Press for several years before moving on as a reporter for the Bakersfield Californian. While Eleanor was a stringer for the Bakersfield Californian, her stories made National News through the AP and UPI as she covered the Delano Grape strike.

Eleanor and Bob later went onto becoming Managers for Plaza Towers working for the Housing Authority of Kern County. Eleanors love for the mountains and beach later payed off as she had the opportunity to become office manager of El Morro Lodge in Morro Bay while Bob took care of maintenance. Her position also gave her the opportunity to meet people from all over the world visiting California.  As her and Bob traveled between their cabin home and the beach job she had the best of both worlds.

Her later passions include following her grandchildren in sports: auto racing, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, football, soccer and swimming. The support continued with her great grandchildren in 4-H, swimming, and volleyball. The family shared good times and made memories at the family cabin in Panorama Heights where  the cabin was filled with fun and laughter, Christmas gatherings, etc.  Where there was always dessert served right after dinner!

Eleanor loved shopping and decorating for the Holidays, decorating her home was one of her favorite past times.

Eleanor had a love for animals, especially her passed pets Krystal & Sammy.

Sammy her golden retriever will join her in her final resting place.

Robert preceded her in death on November 14, 2011. Eleanor is survived by her sons; Michael (Debby), Pat (Lindy), and Kelly (Wiladene aka Willy). Grandchildren; Jill, Kristen (Nate & Son Colin), Brett (Lindsey), Tim (Ashley), Taylor, Robby (Ren). Great grandchildren; Colbie, Macen, Owen, Oliver, Isla and Olsen.

Eleanor saw many of the changes in the world in her 99 years, from automotive to technology and embraced those changes with her love for staying in contact with everyone through social media.  Her and Bob spent there retirement years traveling the United States from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

Eleanor will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

We would greatly appreciate your presence and join us in sharing your stories at Eleanor's Celebration of Life, Saturday, August 23 at Monarch Memorial at 2801 F Street, Bakersfield, California from Noon to 4 pm.