Marguerite V. Sanders

Marguerite V. Sanders "Mom" Marguerite Virginia Sanders, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at her home on August 13, 2014. Marguerite was born on May 16, 1918 in San Antonio, Texas and lived in Gainesville since 1973, relocating here from Miami and Long Island, New York. She grew up in Bessemer, Alabama during the Great Depression and worked in her parents' general store. At age 14 she met the love of her life and future husband, Chet Sanders. In an attempt to keep them separated, Marguerite was sent by her parents to attend Sacred Heart Academy in Coleman, Alabama. Despite their best efforts, Marguerite and Chet were married in 1938 in Bessemer and enjoyed 70 years together raising a large and loving family. She was an active member of Holy Faith Catholic Church and served many years as a member of the Hoffa Craft group. She was able to apply her considerable artistic talents to a variety of craft projects that raised funds for the church. Marguerite had a beautiful spirit that touched everyone who knew her, living a true Christian faith filled with joy, acceptance, generosity and love. Marguerite was an avid reader inspiring an interest in books among all her children. She enjoyed gardening, music, and traveling with her husband throughout the world and the United States. But most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Sanders, and her beloved husband Captain Chet Sanders. Marguerite is survived by her six children, daughters: Charlotte (Dennis) Jones of Manchester, VT, Rita (Don) Reid of Tequesta, FL, Barbara (Normand) D'Esterre of Helena, MT, Tricia (Mike) McHugh of Florence, OR, Donna (Robbie) Bostwick of Gainesville and a son, Dr. Chet (Trisha) Sanders of Gainesville and Daughter-In-Law, Karen Martin of Claremont, CA; 24 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 AM Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Holy Faith Catholic Church 747 Northwest 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL with Father John Phillips celebrating the mass. A Consecration and Committal service and celebration will be held afterwards at 10:30am at Forest Meadows Mausoleum 4100 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home (352)378-2528. An online guestbook is available at www.forestmeadowsfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the E. T. York Hospice Care Center, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606.

Marguerite V. Sanders

August 14, 2014