Elinor Ruth Sanders

On April 30th, while embraced in the love of her family and with just 36 days until her 104th birthday, our mother, Elinor Sanders left us.

Mom had a remarkable life, filled with what is most important - family, good friends and adventure. After our father, George Lentsch, returned from WWII, mom left her hometown of Swift Current, Saskatchewan to follow dad across Canada for his job as an air traffic controller. They raised four children and enjoyed their leisure time boating throughout the BC coastal waters.

Upon dad's sudden passing in 1975, mom fell in love once more, marrying Bert Sanders in 1978. They treasured retirement, spending months in Maui and golfing; a sport that took them all over the country. While becoming an amateur artist was not something mom had anticipated happening in her late 50s, she did it with a tenacious and prolific spirit, a quality that served her well with her passionate involvement in ITC,(International Training in Communication now known as Power Talk). ITC opened a world, rich in self discovery, leadership opportunities and travel. The 3 plus decades with the organization created cherished memories, made richer by enduring friendships from around the world.

However, perhaps her greatest legacy was the love she had for her family, telling us in her final days: "The best thing that ever happened to me, was my family."

Mom is survived by her four children, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren.

People have asked how they might remember our mother. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Society or Dying with Dignity. And while there will not be a formal service, we ask that you raise a glass in celebration for her good fortune to once again be reunited with her much loved husbands.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Sanders family.