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Date Created: 09/18/2019
Last Updated: 09/18/2019

In loving memory of Janet Saunders
8/31/1952 - 9/14/2019

Location: Odenton, Maryland

Visits: 13,797

This memorial was created in honor of Janet Anne Bonn Saunders of Odenton, Maryland. Janet was born on August 31, 1952 and passed on September 14, 2019. Janet was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all friends and family.

 
 
 
 

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From: Joseph Tyson Monday, October 28, 2019
Janet's Eulogy

As I look around this room it is evident by the size of this gathering that Janet was loved by so many and will be greatly missed by all. This room is filled with the individual testimonies of how much she meant to each of us. She touched us with a warmth that made our lives brighter for having had her in it. Janet weaved the fabric of our separate lives together with the tender thread of kindness that created the tapestry that we now share.

Janet had a wonderful way of making others feel special. She celebrated in their joys and she empathized with their pains. She would remember their children's and grandchildren's names. She would remember birthdays and when someone was feeling ill she was quick to send a card wishing for a speedy recovery. It was her undeniable nature to leave a trail of friends where ever she traveled. Janet was genuinely one of those rare individuals that made you smile when you called her your friend.

And although we are here to celebrate Janet with cheerful and joyful stories of her life, we also cannot help but to feel the heavy burden of sadness that rests within our hearts. A dear friend posted a beautiful quote that reads “Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love”. As Janet drew her final breath, she was surrounded in the physical and spiritual embrace of all those who grieved greatly and loved her dearly.

Janet was a very special woman with a warm personality. Some of the words used to describe her include: amazing, unselfish, courteous, devoted, loving, compassionate, and kind. For Janet was all these things and so much more. She brought out the best of us through her remarkable attributes.

The first time I saw Janet I was struck by her grace, her beauty, and her poise. Not long afterward and, for over a decade, she was my friend, my life companion and partner, and lastly she was my wife. Janet and I shared many moments of love, laughter, and the simple joy of being in each other's presence. My heart now aches and words alone cannot describe the emptiness her passing has left in my soul.

Throughout the time I have known Janet she has always had a full time job and two part-time jobs. Yet she still had the energy to attend fitness classes as well as social events. Among her friends, she was fondly known as the “energizer bunny”. Janet truly was amazing.

Recently, Janet and I had the joy of buying a home where we both could live and grow old together. We planned to sit on the back porch and watch grandchildren play in the yard. We were going to continue making memories that would bring us gladness into our golden years. Janet had only turned 67 in August and by all measures should have had many more years ahead. Never could we have foreseen that her life would be cut so short by the ravages of cancer.

Throughout her battle against cancer, Janet kept a positive attitude. She did her best to fight the good fight. But even as the end drew near, she still tried to keep her loved ones from the tears of sadness. I don't know how many times she apologized for getting sick and for having to leave us all behind. But that was the Janet that we knew and loved; unselfish to the very end.

I believe that we all leave this world with a legacy. Whether rich or poor, young or old, we leave something behind for others to remember us by. I believe Janet's legacy is kindness; for kindness matters and Janet was the kindest and gentlest person I have ever known. She always spoke caring words about the people around her and she always tried to see the good in every situation and in every person. If there is a way to honor Janet's memory, let it be through acts of kindness to one another and to ourselves. And when we witness an act of kindness, let a smile grace our lips and let Janet's memory touch our hearts.

Lastly, Janet loved most kinds of music. She also loved to dance. We spent many a Friday dancing the night away. It felt good to have Janet in my arms as we swayed to the music. I'd give anything for the chance to have one last dance with her. Whenever a line dance played Janet would drag her girlfriends up to the dance floor and teach them the steps. Those were such happy times. So I would like end with a song by James Taylor in remembrance of Janet and the years of joy she brought into our lives. It is titled “You Can Close Your Eyes”



“You Can Close Your Eyes”
by James Taylor

Well the sun is surely sinking down, but the moon is slowly rising.
So this old world must still be spinning round and I still love you.

So close your eyes, you can close your eyes, it's all right.
I don't know no love songs and I can't sing the blues anymore.
But I can sing this song and you can sing this song when I'm gone.

It won't be long before another day, we gonna have a good time.
And no one's gonna take that time away. You can stay as long as you like.

So close your eyes, you can close your eyes, it's all right.
I don't know no love songs and I can't sing the blues anymore.
But I can sing this song and you can sing this song when I'm gone.


From: Sara Loveland Sunday, September 22, 2019
By Joseph Tyson

One of the many memories I have of Janet is of our motorcycle trips. Janet had never been on a motorcycle and our very first time together was a trip to Pensacola, Fl. She was so brave.
Since then we have been on several trips. The last trip was to Quebec, Canada. She never complained. She just sat back and enjoyed the scenery. Her only challenge was how to pack so much in so little space.
Janet was a wonderful motorcycle passenger and I don’t think riding will ever be the same without missing her terribly.
Janet also enjoyed bicycling. We would join a group of friends and ride around BWI airport every Tuesday. This went on for five or six years. Maybe more. We rode in the Seagull Century ride for 3 or 4 years. She was such a trooper. Whenever friends would put together a bicycle ride you could count on Janet to be there.
Janet loved music performances. One year it seemed like every 3 or 4 weeks we were enjoying a show. Some of the groups include UB-40, Boy George and Culture Club, Daughtry, and lastly Billy Joel at the first ever concert at Camden Yards. At the Billy Joel show Janet was in wheelchair but that didn’t stop her from dancing in her chair. That was Janet. Always grooving and moving to the tunes.


From: Sara Loveland Sunday, September 22, 2019
By Amy Wade-Dutterer
It might sound strange, but when I think of my aunt Janet I think of light. The gentle kind of light that comes from a small candle in an otherwise dark room. I think of that sense of deep relief and assurance that comes from the kindness of a hand being offered when you thought you were alone. Her light was soft and welcoming and warm.
The name ‘Janet’ means ‘God has been gracious’ or ‘God is merciful’. – I don’t know or understand what, if any, significance our given names have on our personhood or in our lives, but Janet seems to have been well named. This planet, and my little life, has been graced with the gift of her person, and maybe we’ve seen a small brush stroke of the wonder and surprise of God’s grace and mercy as they were beautifully expressed in her smile.
Like all of us, she did not always smile; she bravely cultivated her smile and grew hugs and planted love even amid the wounds and pain and sadness and regrets and struggles of being a human on this earth. Her life was not a glossy, flat picture of happiness and perfection, but she was capable of much kindness, goodness and love. She was a real person...
Others will be better equipped to speak of Janet’s amazing strength and determination and the real depth of who she was – but for me...she was the glow of gentle, kind candlelight when I needed to know where I was in a dark room; and I treasure her presence in my life. I treasure the hope she brought with her. I will, and do, miss her, but oh!, what a joy to have known her! I am so thankful for her smile and welcoming, gracious spirit! This is not the end of her story, and I am glad.

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TERRIE VOELKER 11/30/2019
 
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