Obituary of Gladys Saunders

Gladys M. Saunders Olean, NY Gladys M. Saunders, a resident of Cranberry Court Apartments the past ten years and a recent resident of Eden Heights, passed away Tuesday (August 23, 2011) in the Olean General Hospital. Born November 29, 1918 in Bradford, PA she was the oldest of four daughters born to Clifford and Eva Ackley Young. She was first married to William Johnson who predeceased her in 1964. She later married Walt Saunders in 1970 and he predeceased her in 2009. Prior to moving to Olean she was a resident of Hinsdale and was a loyal employee of the former W. T. Grant Co. in Olean until the store's closing. In her retirement years she enjoyed traveling daily to local areas of interest with her family and also making yearly visits to her daughter's home in California. Mrs. Saunders was an enthusiastic reader, was interested in the activities of the Audubon Society and loved the outdoors and dancing. She was also very capable at doing arts and crafts, including painting home decorations. She was most happy spending time with her grandchildren and all will remember her as one who was willing to lend any person a helping hand. Surviving are two sons Eric (Carol) Johnson of Rochester and Gary (Brenda) Johnson of Friendship; 9 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one sister Ruth Saunders of Friendship and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her two husbands she was predeceased by a daughter Linda Johnson Winterhalter Cavellie in 1985 and two sisters Frances Western in 1980and Katherine Peckham in 2000. There will be no visitation. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service Monday (September 19, 2011) at 1:00pm in the Friendship United Methodist Church. Pastor Robert Schooley will officiate. September 19th is being chosen as the date of the service to honor what would have been the birthday of her deceased daughter Linda. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to any charity that supports caring for wildlife. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.