Mary Tatum

Mary Shirley Saunders Tatum, 87, of Pompano Beach, formerly of Plantation and Brevard, NC, passed away June 5th, 2012 after a brief illness, with her loving family by her side. Born in Miami, FL on August 3, 1924 to Albert Saunders and Elizabeth Sheehan. Shirley was pre-deceased by her husband of 48 years, John R. Tatum, and her son, John Cutler Tatum. She attended Northwestern University and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. During WWII, she worked for the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller at Great Lakes Naval Station. Shirley was extraordinarily devoted to her family and was a good friend to many. She was an accomplished artist and an avid golfer, boater, and bridge player. She was a member of Beaux Arts, the Alpha Gamma Delta Alumni Association, and other community organizations. She is survived by son Thomas (Siria), daughter Julie Savini (Frank), grandchildren Sarah Ritchie (Charles), Marie, T.J., Amy, Elizabeth, great granddaughter Lilly, and nephew Donald E. Saunders S.J.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at Noon, Friday June 8, 2012 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 901 NE 2nd St. Fort Lauderdale, with internment to follow at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, N. Lauderdale. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Foundation, 2801 S. W. 12th St., Ft. Lauderdale 33312. Arrangements by Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 718 S. Federal Hwy, Ft. Lauderdale. Condolences may be shared at www.fredhunters.com.