Trustees OK raw-stone marker with plaque in Sawyer Cemetery

At their July 22, 2026 meeting at the Mascoma Senior Center, the Canaan Cemetery Trustees concluded that a raw stone with a metal plaque may be installed as a grave marker in Sawyer Cemetery. The question was raised by plot owner Cindy Neily and discussed briefly by the board before the group signaled agreement.

Trustees said they would encourage owners who use such uncut stones to add some identification showing the grave’s occupant so records match field markers. The discussion concluded with Cindy Neily leaving the meeting after the board reached that consensus. The Trustees did not create a new written rule at the meeting; they noted the practice is permitted and offered the identification recommendation as guidance.