Sidney: Vera Pauline Sawtelle, 88, died Thursday August 23, 2012 at her Sidney home surrounded by her family. She was born in Waterville on October 2, 1923 the daughter of Millard and Annie (Strickland) Murray. Vera was a graduate of Lawrence High School in Fairfield, and the Modern School of Music in Portland. At the age of 62, she graduated from the Capital Area Regional Vocational Technical Institute in Augusta as a CNA. Vera was active in her younger years as a musical performer for old time dancing. She was also the leader of the band Vera and the Serenaders. Vera played various instrument such as the violin, accordion, piano, organ, guitar and dobro. She enjoyed the times when her family would gather to sing and play. Vera married Kermit Theodare Sawtelle on April 16, 1942, he passed October 17, 2009. She was also predeceased by 2 daughters Carol Mae and Gloria Ann,. Surviving are 3 daughters; Mavis Patterson of Chesterville, Paula Collins and companion, Edward Gordon of Sidney, and Ruth Dyan Sawtelle of Augusta and friend, Onyx. Her sister Ruth Rancourt and her companion Moe Carrey of Waterville, Vera has 3 grandsons; Michael Collins and wife Kim of Sidney, Robert Collins and companion Becky Sue Grevois of Oakland, and Fred Patterson and wife Maria of South Gardiner, She has 6 great grandchildren; Kierstie Patterson of Fairfield, Robert King of Chesterville, Ethan Alan Collins , and Connor Andrew Collins of Sidney. She is also remembered by her special adopted daughter Lisa Wright of Madison. Vera s family would like to offer personal thanks to Dr. Edmund Ervin for his wonderful care of her for many years as well as her caretakers including Lisa Carson and Becky Conklin . A special thankyou to the wonderful nurses at MaineGeneral HealthReach Hospice, especially Kathy Roy. Friends are invited to visit 2-4 & 7-9 PM on Friday August 24 at Wheeler Funeral Home 26 Church Street Oakland, where a funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday August 25._Burial will follow at the Sawtelle Cemetery in Sidney. Online condolences may be sent to www.wheelerfh.com In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a memorial donation to MaineGeneral HealthReach Hospice P.O. Box 828 Waterville, ME 04903-0828