Beatrice SAUNDERS

1918 - 2021

BEATRICE SAUNDERS "Babs" January 7, 1918 - August 6, 2021 Our dear Auntie Babs passed away after a brief illness on August 6, at the age of 103. Babs was born in Winnipeg to parents William John Saunders and Beatrice Alice (neé Weller), one of five siblings. A move to Toronto established Babs' life-long hometown, where she and her family grew up and thrived. Babs was predeceased by her parents, brother Robert Saunders (Margaret), sisters, Mollie Aylesworth (Garth), Phyllis Holmes (Campbell), and Jean Hampson (Lloyd). After graduating from Trinity College, University of Toronto in 1940, Babs completed Librarian training and worked in libraries at the University, at Bell Canada in Montreal, and then returned to Toronto to become Chief Librarian at Trinity College until her retirement. During her time at Trinity she inspired the idea of a Friends of the Library group and the Annual Book Sale, a spectacular fundraiser that Babs' participated in during her retirement. With her wisdom, insight, sense of humour and curiosity Babs enriched so many lives. Her siblings' children became hers, and she cared deeply about all her family, in Canada, the US and England. Babs' 100th birthday was a memorable gathering of family and friends, with cards, flowers and special greetings from the Queen and the Prime Minister. Her many comfortable retirement years were spent at Christie Gardens, lovingly overseen by her devoted niece Virginia Holmes (late Nicholas Myrhorod). Babs' first cousin Brock Saunders (Betty) dedicated heartfelt time and energy to his relationship and correspondence with her. Nieces Kathleen Conlan (Joel Grice), Janet Farrell (Jim), Wendy Hampson (Jim Jussila), Barbara Briggs (Tom), Joan Saunders (Ron Dutcher), nephew, David Holmes (Judy) and great- and great-great nieces and -nephews, all brought delight to her life. Many warm thanks to wonderful caregivers, Sonam Y, Arlene, Nellie, Sonam C, Michelle and Veloria, to caring Dr. Peter Kopplin and to all the exceptional staff at Christie Gardens. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to the Christie Gardens Foundation www.christiegardens.org/#foundation, Trinity College's the Friends of the Library (designated FOTL) https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/donate.aspx?eventid=18694&langpref=en-CA&Referrer=https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/sessionExpired.aspx?eID=18694&lp=en-CA or a charity of your choosing.