Mary Pauline Saunders

With sadness, Mary's family announce her passing on February 4, 2018 at the age of 92, in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Born on August 15, 1925 in Brlog, Yugoslavia, Mary arrived in Canada in 1928 at the young age of three, accompanied by her parents, Paul George Puhallo and Maria (Mary) Puhallo (nee Yelich).

Mary is predeceased by her husband, William Eric Saunders and her youngest sister, Ruby Candido. She is survived by her three sons, two daughter-in-laws, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Mother to son James William and his wife Maureen; son Robert Eric and his wife Linda; and her youngest son Kenneth Roy Saunders who devotedly cared for her since William's passing in 2001. Very proud Grandmother to Candice Colleen Saunders-Young and husband Shaun Young; Christy Lynn Saunders-Luft and her husband Craig Luft; and her only Grandson, Trevor Jason Saunders. Loving Great-Grandmother to Kennedy Young; Carter Young; Taylor Luft and Addison Luft.

Mary grew up in Kamloops, where she met her husband Bill and married in 1948. They moved to several British Columbia cities during their lives together; spending time in Williams Lake, Prince George, Nanaimo, Coquitlam, and finally retiring in Nanaimo in 1982. Mary enjoyed gardening and baking (which her family will greatly miss).

Mary's family would like to express sincere thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, particularly the 6th floor and Palliative Care wards, in addition to the Hospice Volunteers who were most kind and attentive during her last days.