Mary Saunders Gendell

Mary Elizabeth (Saunders) Gendell passed away peacefully on May 2, 2019 after a lengthy and challenging battle with Parkinson's Disease. Mary was born in Hartford, Connecticut on January 9, 1944, the daughter of Robert Hilliard Saunders and Mary Farrell Saunders. Mary was the second of four children and the only girl among three brothers: Robert, Brian, and Michael. In a household led by a devout Irish immigrant and a hardworking Hartford fireman, church and community played major roles during Mary's childhood. Mary graduated from Central Connecticut State College and was working alongside a young engineer, David Gendell, who was quickly making a name for himself within the Federal Highway Administration. The two married on May 14, 1966 in Hartford and settled in Arlington, Virginia where they started their family. After the birth of three sons and several years living in the Washington, DC suburbs, Mary and Dave bought a waterfront lot on the Magothy River near Annapolis. On this beautiful spot they built a home with a screened-in porch, overlooking their pier and numerous boats that brought many memories over the years. From this home, they raised their boys within the community of Ulmstead, the parish of St. Mary's, and on and along the Chesapeake Bay. The warmth of friendships in Ulmstead, the anchor of St. Mary's, and the constant presence of the Chesapeake Bay brought Mary decades of joy and great peace throughout her life. In 1997, with the support of her husband, family, and friends, Mary courageously and successfully fought a battle with Breast Cancer. In 1998, the Gendells purchased a home on the Intracoastal Waterway in Delray Beach, Florida where they enjoyed happy hours with views of the waterway and the Atlantic, visits from family and friends, and exploring the coast aboard their powerboat. Mary was at her happiest when hosting her family and friends. She enjoyed music and wine and she always looked forward to traveling to Florida, Cape Cod, and beyond, Above all, she loved her husband and family. She will be remembered as the enthusiastic leader of conga lines, the dedicated "Team Mom" for sailboat racing crews, and as a warm and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Even as Parkinson's Disease attacked her body, Mary strived to remain social and aware. She closely read the local newspaper and avidly followed and supported the activities of her grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. The Gendell family would like to thank the friends, clergy, and medical professionals who assisted Mary in the final phase of her life on earth. In addition to her three brothers, Mary is survived her husband of 52 years, David Smith Gendell IV, of Arnold, MD; her sons David (Christine), Gregory (Pam), and Kip (Andi), all of Annapolis; and nine grandchildren. The family will receive visitors at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 on Tuesday May 7 from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday May 8 at 9 a.m. at St. John Neumann Church in Annapolis. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers those wishing to remember Mary can make a contribution in her memory to the American Parkinson's Disease Association.