Birney (Strong) Saunders, born on August 7, 1921, passed away peacefully in Bethesda MD on November 29, 2020 at the age of 99. A fifth generation Washingtonian, she graduated from National Cathedral School and attended Randolph-Macon Women’s College. In 1941, she married Carlton L. Saunders, an army veteran and attorney. She and Carlton resided in the Sumner neighborhood in Bethesda for over 50 years until she moved to the Kenwood area after his death.
Birney had a diverse range of interests. She was active in multiple civic organizations including the Bottony Cross chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the District of Columbia, and Daughters of Barons of Runnemede. She remained connected with the Randolph-Macon Women’s College DC Alumni chapter and served a term as president.
Birney was an avid bridge player and golfer who routinely played 18 holes into her 80’s. She was a member, and frequent player, of the Kenwood Golf and Country Club and served a term as president of the Montgomery/Prince George’s County Women’s Golf Association. She also enjoyed gardening and served as president of the Homesteaders Garden Club. In addition, Birney was known to effortlessly host a formal dinner party, wallpaper an entire room by herself, or go camping with her family. Her sense of adventure was evident by her request to go hot air ballooning for her 80th birthday.
Her work experience includes secretary to the Executive Secretary of the American Chemical Society, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, her husband’s law practice and the national defense office of the NSDAR headquarters. For years, Birney was an editor of “The Leaves” magazine, a community newsletter published by W.C. & A.N. Miller Cos., and writer of the column “Eating Out”.
Birney is survived by 4 children: Laidlie Hoshall, Brandt Saunders, Carlton Saunders Jr. and Catherine Saunders, as well as 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
The family would like to extend its gratitude to Birney’s caregivers, especially Umu, who provided support and friendship for the past ten years. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bethesda, MD due to the coronavirus pandemic. Expressions of sympathy can be made at Joseph Gawler's Sons, website. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a memorial donation be made to the American Red Cross or charity of your choice.
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