Dolores Saunders Obituary

Dolores Jeanne Saunders passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 97 years old.

She was born on March 24, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dolores moved with her family to San Diego, California in 1937. It was a place that would become her cherished, lifelong home. She attended San Diego High School where she proudly marched as a majorette. She went on to pursue a career working as a dental assistant, and later on as an office assistant in optometry.

In 1952, Dolores married the love of her life, Mark Saunders Jr. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, and family. After the birth of their first child, Dolores embraced the role of homemaker with devotion and grace, creating a warm and nurturing home for her growing family.

Dolores was a woman of quiet strength, deep kindness, and unshakable devotion to her loved ones. She loved camping and being outdoors with her family. Her generous heart, thoughtful spirit, and steady presence were the foundation in the lives of her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Dorothy Sage (née LaQua) and her beloved husband of 48 years, Mark Saunders Jr.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Lois Sage of Mound, Minnesota, and her children, Mark Saunders III of Rancho Bernardo, CA, Gawain Saunders of Ramona, CA, Steve Saunders & Nancy Saunders of Virginia, and Heather Saunders of Poway, CA. Dolores was a proud and loving grandmother to Cheyenne & Alex Davison of Poway, CA, Ryan Saunders, Sean Saunders, & Teagan Saunders of Virginia, and Mary Taylor, as well as four great-grand children, three nieces and two nephews.

Dolores leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering family devotion. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

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