Ann Johnson Saunders from Derry, NH, died peacefully at the age of 92, on July 9, 2017, after a lengthy illness at Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center.
Ann is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James and Ginger Saunders of Chester, NH, and her daughter and son-in-law, Debbi and Frenchy Tremblay of Derry, NH. She is also survived by four grandchildren, James Tremblay and his fiancée, Amy Duncan, Zachary and Carrie Saunders, Jillian and Michael Thiele, and Kate Saunders and her boyfriend, Aaron Boucher. Ann also leaves behind 4 most loving great-grandchildren, Alexa, Jackson, Lennon, and Oliver, and several nephews and nieces, including Diane Blewitt. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Arthur, her sister, Ella, and her brother, Edmond.
Ann was born in Deer Isle, Maine, on October 14, 1924, to Edmund and Elleetta Johnson. She graduated from McKinley High School in Deer Isle in 1942. She then ventured off to Florida to be with her sister and niece and nephew. Upon returning to Maine, she married Arthur Saunders from Blue Hill, Maine, in 1946. Together they moved 18 times in 18 years (due to Arthur’s job with Beacon Feeds) with their family throughout New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and eventually settled in Derry, NH, in 1964.
In her younger years, Ann enjoyed bowling, sewing, knitting, and baking; she was also active in her childrens’ events including Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts. Most of all, she especially loved spending time with her family and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and taking care of her many dogs and cats throughout the years.
Calling hours were held on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, from 4pm -7pm at Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry, NH. A funeral service was held at 10 am on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, in the funeral home. Burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ann’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to NH SPCA in Stratham, NH, or the NH Animal Rescue League in Bedford, NH. The family would like to thank Sandy, Kathy, and Lisa at Villa Crest for their patience, love, and kindness shown to our mother and grandmother.