Obituary of Marie Bertha Saunders

Bertie Saunders, beloved wife of Tom of Calgary, passed away after a lengthy illness on Sunday, August 1, 2004 at the age of 80 years. Bertie was surrounded by her family and friends with love and attended with the deepest respect and affection in her final days. Bertha was born in Edmonton on January 22, 1924 to Arthur and Corinne Perreault, the third of four children and the only girl. Her father pursued work in Alberta and later in Michigan, eventually settling in Timmins, Ontario, where she spent her formative years. At age seventeen she apprenticed at Tamblyn’s Drugs in Toronto, then enrolled at the University of Toronto. She graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor of Pharmacy and moved to Montreal to work as a Pharmacist at the Royal Victoria Hospital. She eventually became Assistant Chief Pharmacist and it was there that she met her future husband Tom. They married in Montreal in 1949 and moved to Edmonton in 1951. The family settled in Calgary to raise their seven children. Bertie is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-five years, Tom; brother Hector and wife Jean, of Montreal; sister-in-law Eileen Perreault of Timmins, Ontario and seven children and fourteen grandchildren: Marie and Wayne Patton, Michael, Kathleen and Lauren of Calgary, Tom Saunders and Sue Pors, Meagan and Tommy, of Edmonton, Jim and Jane Saunders, Christopher, Amy and Marc of Rocky Mountain House, Corinne Saunders of Calgary, Michael and Linda Saunders, Marie and Emily of Houston, Texas, David and Christie Chaplin-Saunders, Graeme and Jacob of Chester, Nova Scotia, Elizabeth and Mark Van der Wee and Ian and Elliott of Calgary. Bertie is also survived by numerous extended family members and dear friends. She was compassionate, caring and gracious in all her relationships. Bertie will be dearly missed by all. Bertha was predeceased by her brothers Marcel and Ernest. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) today, August 4, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church (2223 – 34th Street S.W.) on Thursday, August 5, 2004 at 2:00P.M. with the Rev. Robert Dielissen, Presider. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Particular thanks to Father Bob for his spiritual guidance and council. Special thanks to the dedicated palliative care team, in particular the compassion and wisdom of Suzie Caccavo, Judy Gay, Dr. Falk and Dr. Boyer. A heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. Hao and the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. In living memory of Bertie Saunders, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.