Mathilde Elizabeth Brunning Sawyer's Obituary
Mathilde Elizabeth Brunning Sawyer of Covington, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, at the age of 78. She was surrounded with love by her family.
Liz was born on December 14, 1946, to her late parents, Thomas Earl, Jr. “T.E.” and Clara Howse Brunning of Covington, and was beloved and cherished by her sister Sue and brother Tommy. Known for her caring nature and warmth, she has touched the hearts and lives of many.
Liz married Ronald Samuel Sawyer and together they shared 55 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and shared passions. They had three daughters and created countless cherished memories.
Liz spent much of her career helping underserved and disadvantaged populations in her capacity as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Executive Director of a nonprofit agency. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, and she took immense pride in nurturing those relationships. Beyond her greatest role as a wife, a mother, and a grandmother, Liz was a woman of many talents. Her passion for the pursuit of knowledge was matched only by her creativity. She loved nature, spirituality, and was an extraordinary cook who delighted in foraging and growing her own herbs. She found joy in writing, publishing several short stories, was a talented artist and musician, and a dedicated bird watcher. She was a voracious reader who pursued knowledge and higher education throughout her adult life, and looked forward to every birthday party, graduation and grandparent’s day. Her passion for nature, curiosity in learning, and artistic talents shared with her grandchildren will have lasting impacts. Liz spent her life caring for others with an unbridled warmth and strength.
Liz is survived by her devoted husband Sam; her daughters, Brandye Smith and Paige Jenkins (Jeremy); her siblings, Dr. Sue Osbon and Tommy Brunning (Patty); her grandchildren, Andrew Sawyer (Kaylee), Autumn Smith (Dexter), Jude Smith (Salem), Riley and Carson Jenkins, Don and Samuel Cortez; her grandchildren of the heart Kayleigh and Lauren Cortez; and her great granddaughter Neveah Sawyer. She was preceded in death by her daughter Brooke Day and granddaughter Demi Day.
Liz loved and was loved. All who knew her will remember the way she made others feel welcomed, understood and loved.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Ave, Covington, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow in the adjacent Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.
Friends and family are invited to share stories, memories, and laughter in honor of a life well lived online at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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