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Anne Saunier Obituary

Saunier Anne (Marshall) Saunier kicked the bucket on Friday night, November 1, 2013 at her home in New Concord after a 67-year long battle with living. She laughed when she heard her obituary might start that way, "You mean you're not going to say I was carried to heaven on the wings of angels?" she said. If you never met Anne Saunier, you missed out. She was something else. Anne was born into a family full of ideas and possibilities. She came into this world the youngest child of Ralph and Anne Marshall of New Concord, Ohio. Her father had been a state lawmaker but had settled into a life of a small town lawyer with a passion for history and politics by the time Anne arrived on the scene. Her mother was the first woman to head the East Muskingum school board and was as loyal, kind, and smart as any Marshall who ever lived. Anne grew up in a man's world alongside her older brothers--David and Jon-but never took a back seat to anyone. She graduated from John Glenn High School before going on to Muskingum College just up the hill. Muskingum (now University) always meant a great deal to her, she served on the board of trustees for 13 years, and her ashes will be interred there. She earned a master's degree from the Ohio State University and later a PMD from the Harvard business school. Anne launched her professional career in administration in the division of Dental Hygiene at OSU and later at Battelle. Anne married and moved to Dayton where, as one of the first female executives at Mead Corporation, she took great pride in knocking down barriers for women. She also became a loving step-mother to two children. Anne's greatest passion was working on behalf of the rights of women. She chaired one of two days of the National Women's Conference in Houston in 1977, earning her the wrath of conservatives who called her a "bra-burner." She was active in the effort to pass the Equal Rights Amendment for women, which ultimately was not ratified by enough states to become part of the Constitution. From Dayton Anne headed to New York City where she took a job at Sibson Corporation, eventually rising to managing partner at the consulting firm. Her clients were big names-Coca Cola, the NBA, AT&T, Pfizer Pharmaceutical, Price Waterhouse - she would figure out how to restructure organizations for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. She was really good at it. Throughout her life, she fought valiantly and unceasingly for the reproductive rights of women everywhere serving as chair of the national board of Planned Parenthood for several years. She fought the good fight on behalf of freedom of choice and career opportunities for all women. Every young woman today who enjoys such modern freedoms stands on the shoulders of giants. One of those giants was Anne Saunier. After 25 years Anne left her NYC Park Avenue apartment - a cliché but true she lived on Park Avenue just like in the movies! She headed back to Ohio to her roots. Now divorced and having lived through breast cancer, she moved to Columbus and took a job with the Strickland administration. She was responsible for change management. There she promoted the concept of treating state government workers with dignity and respect and listening to their ideas. She was proud of her role in creating the groundbreaking Ohio Shared Services center which increased state efficiency. She retired from the state of Ohio in 2012, and spent many of her final days at the family home on Main Street in New Concord. She had a "magical" screened porch built and from it she could watch children stream into the elementary school next door, a constant reminder of the future. Anne was a hard worker but also enjoyed life. She loved going to baseball games, where she intently watched the pitchers and carefully kept score in a spiral-bound book. She never missed a chance to belt out the national anthem-singing was a life-long love. She enjoyed a good steak, could shoot a little pool, and was addicted to crossword puzzles. She was a passionate music fan, especially opera and jazz. For a time, she co-owned a jazz club in NYC called Sweet Rhythm. She was a live wire, a genuine original, the kind of person who lights up a room. She was smart, wise, kind, deeply thoughtful, funny, meditative, and will be missed by countless people. She was a positive force in the lives of many. Anne is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Anne. She is survived by her two step-children, Heidi Saunier and John Saul Saunier; brother, Jon Marshall (Kay) of Columbus; brother, David Marshall (Irma) of Jacksonville, Florida; nephews, Aaron Marshall, (Jen, Lydia) of Columbus and Doug Marshall (Lillie, Mike, Rachel, Lillian) of Charlotte, NC; nieces, Eleanor Gease (Rob) of Washington D.C., Kim Barber (Steve, Vance, Dane, Kemp) of Midlothian, Virginia, and Lara Van Dyk (Brett, Chase, Karsen) of Frisco, Texas; her little dog, Calvin, and many other family members and a legion of friends. The Marshall family wishes especially to thank those who provided care and love to Anne in her final days including Genesis Hospice of Zanesville, Trish Barker, Tom Betti, and Pari Sabety as well as members of the Columbus Women's Chorus, who visited and sang for her. Anne's sister-in-law, Kay, deserves special recognition for spearheading efforts to help Anne during the final years and months as she lived with ovarian cancer that would reduce her to a mere wisp. Anne was positive and accepting of her condition until the end with Kay by her side. There will be a big party to remember Anne on January 25, 2014 in Columbus. There will be a band and singing, and all will be able to toast Anne and remember the good times with her. This is exactly how she wanted to be remembered and her wishes will be honored. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Anne Walker Marshall Scholarship Fund of Muskingum University or Planned Parenthood. Perhaps the most fitting tribute to Anne will be when some young woman walks by her niche at Muskingum and is suddenly compelled to do something grand or join the fight to change the world on behalf of things that are good and true and right. When that happens, as it surely will, we will know that Anne's spirit lives. Condolences and special memories may be shared online at www.heritagecremation.com. HERITAGE CREMATION SOCIETY, 800-864-2295.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Anne Saunier

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Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

The GACUSAN Family

January 25, 2014

I look up to my aunty anne's legacy. I wish i had had more time to hear her amazing stories

Lydia Green

January 15, 2014

Knowing Anne well, I can tell you her work wasn't done. A soldier for the people and a shark in the board room, this diamond had a lot of facets. Shine on crazy diamond.

John Saul Saunier

December 24, 2013

Anne was a force to be reckoned with. I worked with her as an executive assistant/personal assistant at Sibson in New York for a couple of years. She was generous, eccentric and loved life. I have learned through her eyes that the colors of life is not found in a box of crayons but created, explored and discovered. Anne will be missed and may her life continue through the love of her family and friends.

Joye Robbins

December 10, 2013

Anne was my Freshman Year roommate at Muskingum, a Delta Club sister, and the person I always relied on being at Alumni Weekends. She was an ardent supporter of Muskingum and inspired us all. Homecomings and reunion weekends were made much more fun by her and her family welcoming us into their wonderful home on Main St. Oh, the good times we had there! The laughs and the wisdom continued through our last weekend together in June '13. She left me inspired and comforted and laughing. God Bless you, Anne.

Claire Hayman

December 3, 2013

I remember her well from my early days with the Guttmacher Institute and her Board leadership for Planned Parenthood. Everyone should lead such a grand and wonderfully accomplished life AND have such a fitting tribute. My heart goes out to her family and friends.

Beth Fredrick

November 26, 2013

Anne was one of my heroes. She could always be counted on to set a conversation on a path to challenge assumptions. She was one of those people who could use outrageous statements to get people talking about making change. Planned Parenthood was the lucky recipient of her talents and leadership.

Allie Stickney
South Burlington, Vermont

November 26, 2013

It has been nearly 50 years since I last saw Anne at our high school graduation. I wish I could have known the woman she became. She made a difference and isn't that the best tribute.

Connie Wayne (née Embree)

November 17, 2013

Anne was a remarkable woman, inspiring us as students at Muskingum, bringing honor to the Deltas, and opening doors for women all through her life. Proud to have known her.

Sally Maggard

November 14, 2013

Anne was a true individual-she had a poise and positive attitude that never quit. I was privileged to know her at MC when I went to college. She was a true leader and a strong but loving individual who stood up for women's rights.

Lynn Jamieson

November 14, 2013

Anne was a senior when I was a freshman at Muskingum, and we were both members of the Delta Club. I looked up to her then, and I look up to her now. She was one class act.

Rebecca Harlan

November 14, 2013

I had the good fortune to meet Anne through a cancer support study at OSU. She was my model for handling cancer with courage, humor, and compassion. I will miss her very much. My condolences go out to her family.

Barbara Steeg

November 14, 2013

Quite an amazing woman---our MC class of '68 has to be proud of her contributions to 'making things better'. Personally, I'm glad to have known her. She certainly embodied having 'lived, laughed, loved and left'. May she rest in peace...

Kathleen Hynes

November 14, 2013

She was a sweet soul and a True Believer.

Ben Lee

November 13, 2013

In reading the opening lines of her obituary, I was convinced Anne wrote it herself. Yes, if you never met her, you did indeed miss out. Anne was a brilliant, kind, enthusiastic, sometimes irreverent woman and it was my privilege to have worked with her in NYC. My condolences to her family and close friends. I am guessing upcoming holiday and family events will be full of 'Anne' stories which will keep her memory alive.

Patty MacRae

November 12, 2013

What a privilege to have known Anne during and since our years at Muskingum. She was an amazing woman! My prayers with her family and many friends.

Catherine Peters

November 12, 2013

I grew up next door to Anne. I didn't really get to know her until she was older and we had both moved away to "big cities". She and I would come home to visit our mothers and she would sit on my mom's porch with me in the evenings and talk. She was so witty, funny and kind. I wish I had more time with her. I know she enjoyed her obit! What a grand lady..
My prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Cathie Bruner

November 11, 2013

Anne is a beautiful person and someone I will never forget. She could light up a room with her smile, strength, courage, and positive character. We love you Anne. I'm sure you are singing wherever you are!

Alejandra Ferrer

November 11, 2013

I had the honor and privilege to have known Anne and to have been to several baseball games with her as well. The world will be a little sadder place without her smile in it!

Robert Armstrong

November 10, 2013

I remember Anne. As I recall she was in or headed the HR dept at Battelle. I sometimes wondered what she was doing after she left Battelle. Now I know. Her obit is a tribute to someone who has really "made a difference." What a wonderful life. My sympathies to her family and friends.

Ben Freudenreich

November 10, 2013

Just "happened across" this beautiful story in the obituaries today. What an inspirational woman and crusader she was. May she rest in peace and may your family find peace and comfort in the memories of your loved one.
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers on your loss.
L.C. Columbus, Oh

Lynda Carr

November 10, 2013

Her obituary is so inspiring. I really wish I could have known this amazing woman. Our family will include her in our prayers and I vow to do something meaningful to carry on her important work.

Donna Donovan

November 10, 2013

This glowing tribute can only be viewed as love from the deepest hearts. She will continue to be a force in the world in memory and legacy. Prayers to the family for their loss but memories of happier days will soon push away the pain of today.

Kay Wartenbe

November 10, 2013

Anne & I met @ the James Cancer Survivors choir and she had a lovely voice! It took time for everyone to connect faces & names so she was known to me as Calvin's Mom for quite awhile. She was a delightful person and I was blessed to have made her acquaintance ~ I had no idea she had such an impressive background. My sympathy to her family, friends & Calvin.

Nancy Osborne

November 10, 2013

WOW What a LADY her family should be very proud

James Byers

November 9, 2013

What a moving tribute to a woman whom I knew and graduated with at Muskingum. I have read about her so many times through the years. God bless, Anne!

Nancy Turnbull Connors

November 9, 2013

Anne is a new kind of angel, the kind that never was. Just like her time on Earth, the kind that never was. She inspired me and will until I stop breathing.

Priscilla (Bell) Cuddy

November 9, 2013

I was someone that never met Anne but had to let you know how inspirational and beautiful this dedication to her life is. She was a true pioneer and showed strength and determination during a time when it was not encouraged.

I am thinking of the Marshall-Saunier family during this difficult time.

Mary Moore

November 9, 2013

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