June V. Saunders

June V. Saunders, 75 years old, a resident of Fishkill for 41 years, died peacefully in the arms of the Lord, surrounded by her family at the Kaplan Family Hospice in Newburgh, following a courageous battle with cancer. June's life was a witness to her faith in the Lord, which never wavered throughout the pain and challenges of her illness. She found strength in her faith and helped others to do so as well.

She was born February 25, 1933 in Newark, NJ and was the daughter of the late Earl and Florence Jones Van Inwegen.

June was a very active member of the First Reformed Church of Fishkill. She led music and devotional time at the beginning of Sunday School; started and led a Junior Choir; selected and led music for Vacation Bible School; sang in the church choir; priced items and worked in the Attic Treasures booth at church sales; and prepared food for the Homeless Shelter. June also served as the President of the Church Women; Secretary of Spiritual Life-led devotions at meetings; was co-leader of the Prayer Chain; was Honorary Life Member of Reformed Church Women; decorated tables for receptions, contributed food and helped clean up; led singing for visits to Hedgewood Adult Home and provided cookies; distributed altar flowers and visited shut-ins; participated in the Bible Study Group; provided cookies and helped prepare and deliver Christmas remembrances to members of the church family and participated in Neighborhood Bible Study.

June's main focus in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and her special joy in life was her grandchildren. On October 31, 1954, June married Walter L. Saunders, husband of 54 years, who survives at home. She is also survived by her loving children, Paul M. Saunders of Fishkill, John L. Saunders and his wife, Jaime, of Rochester and Beth S. Jones and her husband, John, of Copake Falls, NY; two sisters, Patricia Diffendale of Amsterdam, NY and Barbara McGlade of Middletown; two brothers, Earl Van Inwegen and his wife, Dot of the state of Florida and Allan Van Inwegen and his wife, Eleanor of New Mexico; seven grandchildren: John Jones and his wife, Elisa, Matthew Jones, Ryan Jones, Jesse Jones, Sara Saunders, Benjamin Saunders and Molly June Saunders. She was predeceased by three sisters: Florence Lordy, Jane Grabon and Gloria Tyson.

Calling hours will be held today, Friday, October 31, from 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. at the First Reformed Church of Fishkill, 1153 Main St, Fishkill, NY. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 11 a.m. at the First Reformed Church of Fishkill, followed by burial at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 45 Reade Place, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or the First Reformed Church of Fishkill, 1153 Main Street, Fishkill, NY 12524.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert H. Auchmoody Funeral Homes, Inc., 1028 Main Street, Fishkill.