Alice May Saunders

Alice May (Bryson) Saunders, of Strafford, NH, passed away on Monday, September 1st, 2025, at Wentworth-Douglas Hospital after a brief illness. Born on January 30th, 1929, in Dover, NH, she was the daughter of Melvin F. Bryson and Evelyn May (Green) Bryson. Alice grew up in Barrington, NH, and was a graduate of Dover High School, class of 1947.
She married Richard "Dick" Saunders and moved to Brookline, MA. After dedicating time to raising her three children, Alice joined the Brookline Police Department as a crossing guard and matron. Notably, she once found herself involved in a drug raid with the Boston Police, humorously admitting she had to lie about her height to get the job, as she was never actually 5'2"! In 1975, Alice returned to New Hampshire, where she worked at the NH toll booth in Dover, retiring after 20 years.
Her hobbies included snowmobiling, motorhome camping, yard sales, gardening, and feeding birds and hummingbirds. She also enjoyed crafting. Alice was a member of St. Joseph's Church and participated in several clubs, including the Red Hat Club, Strafford Women's Club, Strafford Garden Club, and was a dedicated member of the Bow Lake Grange. Additionally, she was a founding member and treasurer of the Strafford Swamp Stompers snowmobile club.
Alice was predeceased by her husband, Richard "Dick" Saunders, in 2011, and her brother, Charles Fraser Bryson, in 1996. She is survived by her daughters, Gail Lavoie (Pat Lavoie) of Barrington, NH; Dawn Kraytenberg (partner Stephen Davidowicz) of Strafford, NH; her son, Richard "Rick" Saunders Jr. of Strafford, NH; and her sisters, Ruth (Warren "Beaver") Leighton of West Stewartstown, NH; and Marion (Dick) Bengston of Northwood, NH. Her grandchildren include Gail's children: Erica Pohopek and Patrick (Lauren) Lavoie; Dawn's children: Ernie Kraytenberg (partner Cara Dolan), Derek Kraytenberg (partner Stephanie Divirgilio), and Tyler Kraytenberg (partner Denielle Marcoux); and Rick's children: Travis (Rachel) Saunders, and Shane (Heidi) Saunders. Alice also had great-grandchildren: Ember Saunders, Isla
Saunders, Tyler Kraytenberg Jr., Lily Vick, and Camden Marcoux, along with many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Strafford Women's Club: PO BOX 324, Strafford NH 03884, Venmo donations can be made in Alice Saunders' name to Carol Palmgren @Carol-Palmgren Services will be held at Purdy Memorial Church at 2 Concord Rd, Lee, NH, on Friday, September 5th, 2025. Calling hours will be from 3 PM to 5 PM, with the funeral service to follow at 5 PM. A private burial service will be held at a later date. To send condolences and sign the guest book, please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com