Viola J. Saunders

Funeral Date June 14, 2019

Visitation Thurs., June 13th from 4 – 7 p.m. where prayers will be held Fri., June 14th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Church. Interment Calvary Cemetery. See full notice for details.

VIOLA JULIA SAUNDERS, 82, put away her trowel and spade for the last time on the morning of June 10th at her home with her garden in full bloom. At peace now, we remember this incredible woman. Viola knew love in her life. As the only child born to John and Mary Tamas on July 19, 1936, she was adored. She learned strength and perseverance from her mother and creativity and tenderness from her father. She spent her childhood on The Little Farm in Rock Creek, OH, where she learned to garden, cook, smile, and all-in-all thoroughly enjoy life.

While visiting her grandmother, she met her future husband, Daniel Saunders, for the first time when she was just 10 years old. Little did she know that she would be dancing with him many years later on their first date.  Married on July 31, 1954, they have celebrated 64 years of love and companionship.

Dan and Vi, both being only children, wanted a large family. They raised seven beautiful children together: Donald (Judy, deceased), late Danielle (Michael) Duller, Yvonne, Diane (Joe) Canzoni, Denise (Joel) Bussman, John (Kim), and Rae (Jeff) Birchard. In turn, she enjoyed twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was an active member of the Bedford Garden Club, the Bedford Historical Society, and Western Reserve Herb Society. Her favorite flower was the yellow rose, which will adorn her casket. When you see one, think of her.

To celebrate Vi’s rich and full-life, friends received at the ST. JOHN FUNERAL HOME, 923 BROADWAY, BEDFORD (ONE MILE WEST OF FORBES- BROADWAY EXIT OF I-271), THURSDAY, JUNE 13 FROM 4 – 7 P.M. where prayers will be held Friday, June 14 at 9:30 A.M. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Hope Church, Bedford at 10:00 A.M.  Interment Calvary Cemetery.