Maureen Saunders

Maureen Theresa Saunders was the first daughter born to John and Vivian Stickland Saunders on June 4, 1955 in New York. With 2 older brothers, Johnny and Steven, Maureen took the world head on. The Saunders family later grew to include Richard, and two other daughters, Laurette and Suzanne. Although raised in Altadena, California, Maureen returned to live in New York as a young woman. She had a New York spirit which made her bold, energetic and unapologetic, some of the time.

As a child, Maureen knew what she wanted and liked. Today, she would be called a strong-willed child. However, that determination served her well in later years, especially as she dealt with health challenges.

Maureen was comfortable in her own company. She was a Camp Fire Girl and enjoyed those activities. However, she enjoyed spending time with her parents. The Saunders were part of the Optimistic Society and Maureen was engaged in this community as well. The Society focuses on children, bringing out the best in them; providing them with positives in various ways, including education. Perhaps this was an influence in Maureen’s love for education and children.

For much of her career, Maureen worked with children. Children catered to her and their love was mutual. Whatever task she undertook, Maureen did it with her whole heart. Therefore, she trained with the International Association of Montessorians and applied their method of teaching to the children she taught. Maureen was a long-term caregiver to several family members. She was attentive to details which served her well as a caregiver and for working with children. Her heart and love for people meant Maureen was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Maureen loved life and lived it to the fullest. Whether shopping, something she relished, she loved a good laugh, or enjoying one of her favorite outings. She was true to herself, lived her own way, and depending on whom she was with, blended her style of fun with theirs. Maureen was an enthusiastic sports fan, football in particular. In fact, if you called her during a game, she might rush you off the telephone because her team was playing, which included all Los Angeles and New York teams. Her enjoyment for sports was not just professional teams. Maureen was a student of Jiu Jitsu earning a Brown belt, one rank below a Black belt, the highest rank. She was also part of a canoe team in Orange County.

A strong woman, Maureen was never shy about her opinion. In fact, she welcomed a good debate. Maureen possessed a lot of knowledge and wisdom from life and her work experiences, which she was able to share because Maureen saw the world very clearly.

Aunt Maureen loved her nieces and nephews. With the addition of Skylar Marie Saunders to the family, Maureen was in love with the bright-eyed baby girl. With Suzanne, she was actively engaged in helping raise this baby girl who stole everyone’s heart for the short precious 11 years of her life.

Over the last several years, Maureen had multiple health challenges. She was usually able to bounce back from those set backs. Nonetheless, those ups and down failed to deter Maureen from enjoying life, including her love for sports. But especially those challenges did not diminish her love for her nieces and nephews, especially their young children whom she had the joy of spending time with.

While Maureen’s indomitable spirit will be missed and her energy and love of life, we rest in the assurance that her suffering is over and look forward to one day seeing her again in heaven.

Preceding her in death are her parents John Saunders and Vivian Strickland Saunders; brother Johnny Saunders and niece Skylar Marie Saunders. Those remaining to cherish her memory: Siblings Richard (Shelia), Steven (Sandra), Laurette Clash (Danny), and Suzanne Saunders (Fred). A loving host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and friends. Until we meet again!