It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our much loved mother and grandmother.
Susan Waddell Sanders (Henderson) was born on December 17, 1938 in Berwyn, Illinois to Florence & Andrew Henderson. She died October 12, 2021 after a brief illness. She is survived by her children Ann (Nick Boyonoski) and David, her sister Andrea, niece Susanne & nephew Andy. Her grandchildren Garrett and Hannah Boyonoski, and Meagan Sanders will remember her as their biggest fan. John and Anne, Betty and Susan were friends to the end.
Growing up, Susan was an active member of Girl Scouts and competed in synchronized swimming. In high school, she joined the school band and choir. Susan attended Hillsdale University and joined PiBetaPhi. She met the love of her life, Chris Sanders, while pursuing her PhD at the University of Michigan. They moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1966, where they began their family. Susan started her teaching career as the Anatomy and Physiology teacher for the Nursing school and joined Algoma University as its only Biology professor; a position she retained until her retirement.
Susan was an accomplished bridge player & Director, and one of the few Gold Life Masters in the local bridge club. She was also active in The Sault Horse and Pony Club, the Sault Golf Club, and anywhere else that she felt she could contribute. She had a difficult time saying “No” to people’s requests for assistance and was a supporter of many events.
The last few years have been hard on her; she had several surgeries for arthritis and she developed dementia. She hated the confusion and very much disliked feeling stupid because of it. However, she delighted in making jokes and laughing with the staff at Collegiate Heights and Mapleview, as well as with her companion, Joyce. Susan still very much enjoyed time with her family, taking trips to the Cottage, and listening to music concerts.
We would like to thank the staff at the Sault Area Hospital ED and ICU. Special thanks to Dr. Fritz and Dr. Laviolette for their help and kindness and to Courtney, Shawna, Anna, Kaely, Morgan, Shelley (& Barbie) for their care and compassion.
The family plans to have a celebration of Susan’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to the Art Gallery of Algoma or to the Music for Our Community Campaign (Algoma Conservatory). Arrangement entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence or a memory as a keepsake for Susan's family.