Pauline Sanders

Pauline was born in Butler, PA September 14, 1919, a daughter of Mary and Clarence Sloan. She grew up and went to school in Butler. While attending a dance with her girlfriends one night, still in high school, she became acquainted with Jerry Sanders, a member of the band and six years older than Pauline. He said it was love at first sight for him---she was not so certain! They married in June 1937 and they set up their household in a time of depression, war and uncertainty. They raised their children in Butler and Erie, Pa. After the children were grown and had families of their own, they traveled to many countries and most of the US, enjoying fairly good health in those years.

Pauline and Jerry moved to Dayton in 1977 to be near their children and grandchildren They volunteered at Kettering Medical Center's Emergency Department for more than 20 years.

Pauline was an avid golfer, an enthusiastic gardener, and a determined bridge player.
She was a member of Opera Guild in Dayton, the Lathrem Senior Center, and a member of St. Paul's Church where she and Jerry worked on the annual rummage sale for many years. She endowed a music chair at Sinclair College and a nursing scholarship at Kettering Medical Center.

Pauline's husband Jerry of almost 70 years died in 2007. She was able to go on with her life, partly because of family and friends nearby who provided her with their love and support.

She is survived by her sister, Rosemary Holst of Bridgeton, NJ., her children-Judy Selby of Charleston, SC, Paula MacIlwaine and Jerry Sanders, Jr. of Oakwood. Also Diana Sanders, daughter-in-law and John MacIlwaine, son-in-law and Reid Spencer.

She leaves behind grandchildren Stacey MacIlwaine, Wendy Bendersky, John MacIlwaine, Robin Bechtel, Amy Winter, Gerald Sanders and Carrieann Sanders; great grandchildren Silas, Samantha M., Patrick, Grady, Natalie, Jessica, Abigail, Isabelle, Delaney, Cameron, and Samantha W.

Pauline was a member of the Greatest Generation, a hard worker, non complainer , with a Let's -Get- it -Done attitude. She was very much a selfless person, always putting family and friends first. Her eyesight deteriorated over the past few years but she never lost her willingness to listen to friends and those in need. She will be very much missed by all who loved her.

The family wishes to thank Pauline's caregivers over the past two years -- first of all the wonderful Pandora ,Tammy, Jeannie and Mary, angels all. They enriched her life with their loving help and companionship.

Thanks also to Hospice of Dayton for the extra special care from their outstanding staff. Pauline's family will never forget you.

A memorial service will take place at St.Paul's Episcopal Church in Oakwood at 11:00 a.m. on June 25. The family will receive friends of Pauline immediately following the service in the Cloisters of St. Paul's. If friends wish to honor Pauline they may contribute to Hospice of Dayton 324 Wilmington Ave. 45429 or the Salvation Army 1000 N. Keowee St. Dayton 45404.