Elinor Mae Dixon Saunders, a feisty redhead, was born to Gordon and Hattie Dixon in Boston, Massachusetts, but had outlived both of her parents by the time she was 17. World War II was underway, and she caught the eye of one Corporal G. Walter Saunders (aka Walter) who came home from the Pacific theater and married her as the war ended. They lived in Newton, MA and then Wellesley, MA, raising four children – Dale, Gordon, Dianne, and Wayne – three of whom had gone off to college by 1969 when Walter and Elinor moved with the youngest son, Wayne, to Deltona.
Walter completed his career in the postal service within a few years and Elinor began her career as secretary to the DeLand High School athletic department, which she did in an exemplary fashion for ten years. She lost her beloved Walter in 1987 and her son Wayne in 1996. Her daughter Dale and family had moved to Deltona in 1985, so Elinor continued to be surrounded and loved by family. In addition, she participated significantly in activities at the Deltona Alliance Church, and was, in turn, well supported by her friends there.
During her time in Deltona, Elinor journaled extensively, created hand-made clothes and teddy bears, and learned how to paint with oils. She leaves many beautiful objects to her three surviving children, her fifteen grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and her twenty great-grandchildren. But more important than these things, she left the legacy of a woman who loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, who prayed for her family, and who sought to obey her Lord.
A Memorial Service will be held at Deltona Alliance Church on Saturday, May 19 at 11 o’clock in the morning. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations may be made in her memory to the Deltona Alliance Church.
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