Dorothy Saunders

Dorothy G. Saunders devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, died
peacefully at her home on March 24, 2022. Dorothy, age 96, was surrounded by her
loving family. Dorothy was born on November 20,1925 into a proud Irish Catholic family
in Milford, Massachusetts one of four daughters born to Catherine and Bernard Manion.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Isabel, Rita, and Eleanor, as
well as her husband Reginald. Dorothy was a lifelong scholar, finishing first in her class
at Milford high in 1943. She was awarded a full scholarship to Our Lady of the Elms
College. She graduated with honors, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in English
literature and a minor in French language. As a young woman Dorothy taught high
school English and French in a small town in northern Maine. Dorothy and her sister
Eleanor traveled throughout Europe. She settled in Darmstadt, Germany working for
the US government. There she met the dashing Englishman, Reginald Saunders, who
worked for the Stars and Stripes newspaper. They fell in love and were married on
January 14, 1956 in Milford Massachusetts.

Dorothy and Reginald eventually settled in Bowie Maryland raising four children. She
worked in real estate and in the insurance industry. Dorothy was a devoted and loving
wife and mother. Her family and faith were her most important priorities. Dorothy spent
many years tirelessly caring for her beloved husband Reginald, who preceded her in
death in 2019.

Dorothy and Reginald enjoyed traveling throughout the US, including a cruise to Alaska.
They also enjoyed traveling to Nova Scotia, Canada. Visiting friends and family in
Scotland and England was a highlight in their lives. Dorothy loved playing bridge, going
out to lunch, and long walks with her friends. She also greatly enjoyed participating in
her book club. Dorothy was an avid fan of Jeopardy and always knew the answers to
the most difficult questions.

Dorothy flourished as a volunteer. She was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart
Parish volunteering at the House on the Hill. Her love of politics led her to join the
League of Women Voters. Dorothy thrived as an advocate for the underserved teaching
immigrant adults to read English.

She loved large family gatherings. Spending time with her children and grandchildren
was her greatest joy. Becoming a Great Grandmother was her most recent delight.
Dorothy passed on her lifelong love of reading and learning to the younger family
members. Dorothy possessed sage wisdom and was often sought out for advice. She
always saw the best in people and brought people together. Dorothy was also
passionate about politics, history, hiking, nature, and the environment. She fostered
these interests in her children and grandchildren.     

Dorothy is mourned by her family Including her children: Nancy Cross of Monrovia,
Maryland, Catherine Bobby and her husband Stephen of Dunkirk, Maryland, Frank
Saunders and his wife Linda of Huntingtown, Maryland, Joan Scamurra and her
husband James of Crofton, Maryland. She is also mourned by her many loving
Grandchildren including: William Cross, E. Anthony Cross, Brian Cross, Janine
Bobby-Ellison, Ellen Bobby, Allison Craft, Jennifer, Crystal, and Jonathan Saunders,
Rita, Paul, Catherine, Anna, and Anthony Scamurra. She will also be greatly missed by
her Great Grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Catholic Relief Services.
Services will be held at Beall funeral home 6512 Crain Highway, Bowie, MD with calling
hours from 4 to 6 PM on Thursday April 7, 2022. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM
on Friday, April 8, 2022 at Sacred Heart Chapel on the Hill 16501 Annapolis Road,
Bowie, MD 20715.