Betty Jean Sawicki

Betty Jean Sawicki, age 86, of Oak Ridge, died Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Park West Medical Center in Knoxville.

She was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Knoxville, the daughter of Alexas M. and Osa Cox Graham.

Mrs. Sawicki was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed sewing and making dolls. Mrs. Sawicki had a great interest in and was instrumental in organizing services for the mentally retarded in Paducah, Ky., as well as in Oak Ridge.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Michael Sawicki in 2004, and by sisters, Maxine Coward, Helen Rouss, and Peggy Davis.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Joseph Sawicki; son, David Sawicki of Greeneville; daughter, Sandy Snyder and her husband Dr. Paul Snyder of Chattanooga; two grandchildren, Renee Everhart and her husband Dr. Todd Everhart of Johnson City, and Paul Snyder III and wife Jennifer of Centerville, Va.; four great-grandchildren, Daniel and Adam Everhart of Johnson City, and Toby and Lucas Snyder of Centerville, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family received friends Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 9-10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A funeral mass began at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Michael Woods and Rev. Bede Aboh officiating. Burial followed at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

The family asks that any memorials be made to the Emory Valley Center, 715 Emory Valley Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37830; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 323 Vermont Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.