Marian Janet Sawin (Gardner)

Marian Janet Sawin (Gardner) of Fort Worth, TX, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the age of 85, following a long and brave battle with cancer.

Marian was born on October 1, 1938, in Northampton, Massachusetts, to the late Harold L. and Eva Gardner, on the heels of the Great New England Hurricane of 1938. She was the youngest of three children, two of whom preceded her in death. Marian attended the public schools in Amherst, MA, and graduated from Amherst High School. 

As a teenager, Marian worked locally at the nostalgic McCallum’s Department Store as a clerk and sales associate. She later worked at the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) as a secretary in the Chemistry Department. When the children were old enough, she pursued a career in Northampton, completing computer courses at the Smith Vocational School and then working as a secretary at Highland Valley Elder Services until her retirement in 1995.

Marian met her future husband, the late Norman Sawin, Sr., who also attended Amherst High School, when he worked for her father. They married in December 1960 and had three children. Since Norman was in the United States Air Force, Marian supported him and the family as a military spouse until his retirement in 1972. Prior to Norman’s tour in Vietnam, the couple purchased a home in Florence, Massachusetts, where the family lived for many years. They sold the house in early 1996, pulled up roots, and enjoyed exploring the Country in a motorhome full-time until Norman’s death in 2005. Marian then settled down in Fort Worth, Texas. She enjoyed traveling, knitting, and cuddling with her beloved cat, Smokey.

Preceding Marian in death were her husband of 44 years, Norman, Sr.; parents, Harold L. and Eva Gardner; brothers, Harold E. and Donald; son-in-law, Bruce Basse; and daughter-in-law, Carole Sawin. 

Marian is survived by her three children, Norman, Jr.; Susan Haas (Hal); and Dian Basse; grandsons Brian Basse, Christopher Basse, and Matthew Haas; and several nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A service will be scheduled for family and friends at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery, in Dallas TX, where she will be interred alongside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, Marian’s wish was that funds be donated in her name to a no-kill cat rescue and adoption organization of your choice, and/or to the Humane Society of North Texas.