Mary Patricia Sanders' Obituary
Mary (Fisher) Sanders, age 83 passed away surrounded by family on July 16, 2023 at the home of her son, Darren Sanders after an acute illness. Mary was born in 1939 in Sigourney, Iowa to George (Bud) and Lillian Fisher. Mary was raised in a humble household which included one sibling and a dog in a small home. She had memories of very loving parents and kept pictures of significant events growing up. Mary spoke often of her cherished parents.
At a young age, Mary learned to play the accordion and already made her first earnings playing music for special events when she was 15 years old. Her love of music was evident throughout her life as she later formed her own band she named, The Uniques. They were an ensemble which included a trumpet/trombone player, a drummer and Mary on the accordion. Over the decades Mary played most weekends at supper clubs, VFW’s, Moose Clubs, and special events such as anniversaries and New Year’s Eve parties. Mary was unique in that she could play by ear, a special quality. At one time, the band had started to make tapes and quickly found these to be in high demand. The instrument changed over time from an accordion to a special instrument that had keyboard layout like an accordion. In addition to her keyboard skills, she was the lead singer for her band. In later life, her family and caregivers would truly enjoy when she would sit at a piano and play her music.
Mary attended Northern Illinois University and earned a BA in education. Through a university club event she hosted, she met Jim Sanders. They married in 1960. Mary’s first teaching job was in Maple Park, Illinois teaching elementary age children. With the birth of her first child, she chose to step down from teaching but remained available as a substitute teacher. Mary loved children and was noted to enjoy teaching her grandson Garrett as much as she could when he was a small child.
Once married, her husband’s work took them to live in Utah and other cities in Illinois. In each home, Mary made the house a home while establishing meaningful friendships. She had many fond memories of each home. Upon Jim’s retirement, they chose to live in Tucson, AZ where they built a beautiful home with mountain views. A few years later Mary’s daughter Margery and family relocated to Tucson, and this allowed Mary and Jim to be part of their grandson’s growing up.
Mary was always finding ways to be active and social. In addition to her music career, she had countless hobbies such as playing cards and cribbage, ceramics, volunteering at non-profits, sightseeing, reading, baking and the occasional casino visit. It was through these activities she made hundreds of life-long friends. Her ceramic pieces to this day continue to be enjoyed by her family. Mary and Jim planned excursions with friends whenever possible. Some notable excursions included travel to British Columbia, Europe, American National Parks and Hawaii. Mary always kept meticulous notes about their experiences and took countless pictures.
Mary and Jim had three children Jim, Darren and Margery. Their Tucson home was filled with many photos and mementos of family throughout the years. Family meant the world to Mary. She stayed in touch with extended family and always welcomed visitors. Her Christmas card list was extensive and something she did faithfully until very recently. After the loss of her loving husband of 60 years, she could no longer live alone due to her own health issues. She started splitting her time between Wisconsin (with her daughter) and California (with her son), but in June 2021 she made a “permanent” home with her son, Darren, and wife, Heidi, where she enjoyed the last couple years of her life under the sunny skies of California. The family is grateful to the many caregivers who assisted along the way.
Mary is survived by her son Darren (Heidi), daughter Margery (Ken), grandchildren James, Garrett, Jody and Josh and six great-grandchildren.
Mary is preceded in death by her spouse James, son James Jr, and brother Buddy Fisher.
Mary’s presence and source of comfort and love will be missed deeply by her family and friends. May you rest in peace, Mom.
Service will be August 12th at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 1431 W. Magee Rd., Tucson, AZ 85704. Interment to follow at Evergreen Mortuary, 3015 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ.
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