Obituary of Theda Saunders

Theda Wilma Saunders (née Burnett) died peacefully on November 18, 2022, at the Sunshine Centre at Luther Village, her home for the last 11 years.

 

She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, “Gran” and “Great Gran.” She was predeceased by her beloved husband William James (Jim) Saunders in 2005 with whom she enjoyed a long and happy marriage of 59 years.

 

Theda is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law - Susan and Ted Mavor of Kitchener and Nancy and Ted Maitland of Waterloo. She was the dear and proud “Gran” of John (Dianne) of Montreal, Elizabeth (Ryan) of Kitchener and Sarah (Franco) of Vancouver. She was the “Great Gran” of Paige, Macey, Philip, Neil, Grace, and Lily.

 

She was predeceased by her parents Mabel and Clarence Burnett, her brothers, Daryl, Raymond and Lloyd Burnett, her sisters Reta Taylor and Hilda Mersereau, her sister-in-law Corrine (Billie) Burnett, and brothers-in-law Gordon Taylor and Gerald Mersereau.

 

Theda was born in Fredericton Junction, New Brunswick and received her early schooling there. She studied nursing at Saint John General Hospital and nursed there following her graduation in 1944.  It was in Saint John that she met her husband Jim and following their marriage in 1946 they moved to the campus of University of Manitoba. In 1950 they moved to Waterloo.  Theda will be fondly remembered by her friends in bridge and in sports – both curling and golf - in which she and Jim were active.  

 

Theda was a faithful member of First United Church and was a member of the UCW there as well as a Sunday School teacher. She was a volunteer member of the Canadian Red Cross and was awarded a certificate in recognition of her almost 35 years of service. Theda was a member of the KW Granite Club where she made many friends and enjoyed curling.

 

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at the Sunshine Centre at Luther Village for their attention, care, and support of Theda over the last 11 years and to our PSW, Etsegenet, for her special care over the last several months. The family with gather at a later date to remember Theda and Jim.

 

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice and can be arranged on Theda’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com