Mary Clare Sanders

Mary Clare M. Sanders, 83, of Punta Gorda, FL died Sept 8, 2009. She was born January 7, 1926 in Chicago, IL to John and Eleanor McHugh. In the 1940's, she was one of the original Quiz Kids on a national radio show that originated in Chicago. It featured gifted youngsters in a quiz show format. When the Quiz Kids traveled to Washington, DC, they were greeted and entertained by Eleanor Roosevelt in the East Room of the White House. They were also hosted by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia on a visit to New York City. Mary Clare received her Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from DePaul University in 1947. She worked as an executive secretary and administrative assistant at Time-Life publications and at the Cadillac Division of General Motors. She moved with her family to Punta Gorda from the Chicago area in Dec 1985 and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was also a former member of the Punta Gorda Boat Club.

She is survived by her loving husband of sixty years, LeRoy D. Sanders a longtime reader and Eucharistic minister at Sacred Heart and her beloved son John E. Sanders and his wife Evelyn; her sisters, Joan Bernard G. Roer, Ruth John T. Powers and Janet McHugh; brothers, John C. and William F. McHugh.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Wednesday, Sept 16, 2009 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda. Inurnment will take place at a later date. The family requests donations in memory of Mary Clare to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238.