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Celebrating the life of
Therese Eloise Saunders Leonard
May 19, 1948 - December 27, 2021
Therese Eloise Saunders Leonard, 73, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Monday, December 27, 2021, the feast of St. John the Beloved, surrounded by her loving sons and family.
Therese was born to the late Arthur Lloyd Saunders, Jr. and Theresa Cooper Saunders May 19, 1948 in Savannah, Georgia. She was raised downtown on Brady and Waldburg Streets in a loving household with many fond memories which she often shared. She attended Cathedral Day School where she excelled in athletics and was a 1966 graduate of St. Vincent’s Academy. She cherished her education, was a proud SVA cheerleader, and formed many lasting friendships. She also attended Armstrong State College. Therese worked tirelessly as a devoted mother and retired from the Housing Authority of Savannah as a Section 8 Case Manager after many years of service. Therese grew up in the parish of Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church and was later a communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
She instilled a love of God in her sons teaching them by her actions to love one another; to be kind, humble, meek, mindful of those less fortunate, and to cherish your family and friends.
Therese was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and an active member of the Daughters of Ireland, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Therese’s passion for cooking is passed on to her sons; she was known for her quick improvisation on a shoestring budget. She was a daily sports enthusiast following her favorite football, baseball, and softball teams as well as her favorite golfers. Therese loved dancing, especially Irish dancing where she once performed at the White House. She was the life of the party and loved a good joke, delivering her quick wit. Therese’s unmistakable laughter could be identified across a crowded room. Her thoughtfulness and love for others manifested in her uncanny ability to give “perfect gifts” which were often creative and always unique. Therese looked forward to her biweekly gatherings with her close “Bridge Girls” sharing laughter and life together through the years, becoming like sisters.
In addition to her loving parents, Therese is predeceased by her sister Rose Marie Saunders; brother Stephen Francis Saunders; paternal grandmother Emma Mahon Saunders; cousin Dennis J. Lales, and best friend Mrs. Alma Mills.
She is survived by her five sons (two sets of twins), Dennis Brendan, Patrick Lawrence and wife Erin, Michael Markwalter and wife Cris, Kevin Grady, and Stephen Saunders and wife Camille, and “Grandma T” to eight grandchildren, brothers; A. Lloyd Saunders, III, Vincent C. Saunders of Houston, TX, Lawrence P. Saunders and wife Melinda, sisters; Patricia Saunders Mizelle and husband Edward, Mary Agnes Saunders McDonough and husband Bernard, and sister-in-law Annelle Smith Saunders, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, favorite cousins of the Saunders, Kilpatrick, and Hagan families, the loving "Bridge Girls" and many wonderful friends.
A Rosary will be held Wednesday, January 5, 2021 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel at 5:30 p.m. and visitation will follow from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m.
A Requiem Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 6, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in the Gartland Section of the Catholic Cemetery. Reception to follow at the American Legion on Bull St. Remembrances can be made to Social Apostolate of Savannah, St. Vincent’s Academy and Benedictine Military School.
A candle has been lit!
MAY SHE RIP
- JOHN MELL, Savannah, Georgia
Condolences to the family & friends she were my section 8 caseworker many years ago very nice and beautiful person sleep in heavenly peace.
- Corletta L Hardy, Porthwenworth, Ga
A candle has been lit!
Condolences may her memories bring you all joy and laughter sleep in Heavenly peace.
- Corletta L Hardy, Porthwenworth, Ga
My sincere condolences to Therese's family and close friends. I am sorry for your loss. Therese and I were classmates at Cathedral Day School and Saint Vincent's Academy. She was a good and very kind person. I enjoyed having her as a classmate for all those years. May good memories of Therese comfort you in days to come and God's blessings grant you peace. Sincerely, Therese Jiran Cox
- Mary Therese Jiran Cox, Savannah, Georgia
Our sincerest condolences to all of Therese's family and loved ones. She was always so cheerful and seemed so genuinely glad to see you. It is our prayer our shared faith will grant you peace and comfort
- Mr. and Mrs. Billy S. Wilson, Jr., Savannah, Georgia
Patty, I am so sad to hear about the passing of your sister; I know it is extremely difficult. I hope to see you and Eddie when I return to Savannah in 2022 for the 4th quarter.
- William Scarborough, WASHINGTON, District of Columbia
Patty, I am so sad to hear about the passing of your sister; I know it is extremely difficult. I hope to see you and Eddie when I return to Savannah in 2022 for the 4th quarter.
- William Scarborough, WASHINGTON, District of Columbia
Raised a fine family. Had a peaceful end. God bless.
- Herbert & Carol Harley, Savannah, Georgia
Stephen- Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. HM and Michael Fleming
- Fleming, Savannah, Ga
Mrs. Leonard was my case worker and she was one of the sweetest ladies I know. May she rest in peace. God bless her family
- Chara Stephens, Savannah, GA
My deepest condolences to the family! Therese will be sorely missed.
- Kilpatrick, Orlando, Fl
Beautifully written obit….she would have loved it…she adored her whole family and would have been amazed at how many people have sung her praises. We are honored that you included us. Hugs and love to all
- Carol Kilpatrick, Savannah, GA
I worked with Therese at The Housing Authority before I left in 2012. I will like to give you all my condolences during this time of bereavement. I pray God’s strength over your family and I pray that you stay strong for each other and always keep God close. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God is in the midst of you and He will not ever be moved. God is your ultimate comforter.
- Deidre Haygood, Savannah, GA
Prayers for the entire Saunders family. Therese was such a sweet, kind person.
- John and Kathy Gaudry Cliett, Metter, GA
There's was my neighbor for many years. She was a wonderful lady full of love and laughter. My condolences to her family.
- Casey Brewton, Savannah, GA
DENNIS,PATRICK, MICHAEL,KEVIN,STEPHEN & FAMILY, May it bring special comfort to know that others care and share your loss.Thinking of you and family at this time of loss of THERESE.HERBERT GILSTRAP
- HERBERT GILSTRAP, Augusta, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this sad time. May her memory be eternal. With my deepest sympathy, Irene Miltiades Purdy
- Irene Miltiades Purdy, Richmond, Virginia
I attended Cathedral Day School with Theresa where we were members of an overcrowded class of 55 students in classrooms designed for half that many. She was a sweet, pretty girl. Theresa's was a life well lived. Rest in peace, Theresa.
- Roger Elmore, Beaufort, SC
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the recent passing of Therese. We are thinking of you and share in your loss. I can imagine a host of friends and loved ones were waiting for her at heaven's gates. May she rest in peace. ☘
- Klair Kenney Snellbaker , FORT MYERS, Florida
My sincerest sympathies to the family and friends. BC Class of 66
- Col. (Ret.) Leonard Olson, Jr., Griffin, GA
I attended Cathederal Day School and St Vincent's Academy with Therese. So many wonderful memories as we grew up. My sincere condolences to the family. May she rest in peace
- Genevieve Pigman Mansbridge, Diamondhead, Mississippi
Larry, Mary Agnes and family. We are so sorry for the loss of your sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Lawrence Maner, Monroe , Georgia
A candle has been lit!
- Jan Holland Ethridge, Alpharetta , Ga
Therese and I were classmates at SVA and even before that she and I spent many hours together when she visited her aunt on Washington Ave. she was a grand friend and a wonderful mother. I hope your memories will offer you comfort. Therese left the world a much better place than she was born into.
- Peggy O'Leary Corcoran, Oak Island, NC
Teresa was a friend of mine st SVA. She will be missed bu all
- Barbara Little Howard SVA 66, Rockledge, FL
A candle has been lit!
My sincere sympathy and prayers. Therese and I were classmates at St. Vincent's Academy. She was always so kind and always smiling.
- Peggy Muphy Witt, Germantown , TN
I was shocked and heartbroken to read of the passing of Therese. What a sincere and longstanding friend she was. I was so fortunate to reconnect with her after moving away and able to stay in touch through the years. She never changed her caring qualities. We could just pick up and talk like old times. Her Irish roots were deep. Her sons will be in my prayers as I know the loss is unimaginable.
- Beth O Myers, Pueblo West, Colorado
Therese will be greatly missed. Her warmth and happy spirit were always appreciated. She is now clothed in immortality.
- Michael Kilpatrick Jr, Savannah , Ga
We are so very sorry for the loss Of Therese. She was the sweetest person and just loved her. Many prayers for the family. May she rest in Peace. Warmest condolences Sherrie and George Schwarz☘️
- Sherrie Schwarz, SAVANNAH, GA
We are so very sorry for the loss Of Therese. She was the sweetest person and just loved her. Many prayers for the family. May she rest in Peace. Warmest condolences Sherrie and George Schwarz☘️
- Sherrie Schwarz, SAVANNAH, GA
A candle has been lit!
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Therese at the Housing Authority of Savannah. She was a kind-hearted person who will never be forgotten.
- Vernon and Bonny Taylor, Savannah, GA
I am so saddened to read this news. Therese was a wonderful lady. We shared many a fun night Irish dancing in Augusta. May she Rest In Peace and may her family be blessed with wonderful memories.
- Philomena Mooney, Augusta, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Rosary
- 5:30 p.m. on Wed, January 05, 2022
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wed, January 05, 2022
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Funeral Mass
- 2:00 p.m. on Wed, January 06, 2021
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church
-
1707 Bull Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31404 - 912-232-0792