Paula A. Sanders

Paula Ann Sanders, age 78, of Harwich, Massachusetts, formerly of Natick, Massachusetts passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday May 31, 2023. She was born in Troy, New York to the late William and Constance Schlegel. Paula was a graduate of Troy High School, class of 1963, and attended SUNY Brockport, class of 1967.

Paula met Peter Sanders while working on the Cape after college. They later married and located to Needham, Massachusetts where they raised their two children.

Paula’s passion for sports led her to work as a physed/health teacher and coach in Massachusetts.

Paula was an avid tennis player and golfer. She cooked, gardened, sewed, crafted, and thrifted. Paula was grateful to have had the opportunity to travel all around Europe.

Paula had a beautiful smile, a wonderful sense of humor, was relentlessly giving, and tirelessly dedicated to her family. She greatly enjoyed the beach and spending time with her crew at the Pond. Paula made friends wherever she went.

Paula’s favorite season was the summer, but Christmas was her favorite time of year, giving her the opportunity to express her decorating creativity and joy for shopping.

What Paula loved doing by far the most was spending time with her two grandchildren.

Paula is survived by her son, Mark Sanders of Somerville, Massachusetts, daughter Erika Schaad and her children (Paula’s grandchildren), Isabella and Quinn Schaad, of Millis, Massachusetts. She is also survived by her brother Bill Schlegel and his wife Kathy of St. Augustine, Florida as well as 8 nieces and nephews.

A gathering to celebrate her life of family and friends will be held at a future date.