Helen B. Saunders

1924-2016

After 92 years filled with her kindness, generosity, friendship, grace, humor and love, Helen L. Saunders passed away peacefully at her home in THE FORUM at San Antonio, Cupertino, CA on June 17, 2016.

Helen was born in 1924 in Mapleton, MN, to Roland and Cleo Borchert, the third child of 14. She is survived by her daughter and son-inlaw, Susan and Allan Smith, her grandchildren, Grant and Sydney Smith, her siblings, Elizabeth Bertschi, Alyce Gohla, Roland A. Borchert Jr., Margaret L. Vaught, Neva M. Butzer, and many nieces and nephews and countless friends who will all miss her hugs.

After graduating from high school in Mapleton, MN, she moved to Vallejo, California where she worked at Mare Island repairing submarines as a “Rosie the Riveter”. There, she met career Naval Officer, Capt. Edward C. (“Ted) Saunders, USN, CEC, and, in 1946, they married. For 30 years, they served the Navy in many locations including Spain and the Panama Canal Zone. In retirement, they lived in Oakland, CA. Helen volunteered with the San Francisco Symphony, collected early California Impressionist paintings and worked at the San Francisco International Visitor’s Center helping countless international visitors feel welcome to the Bay Area.

Having lost her son to AIDS in 1992, she became an outspoken advocate for the Gay community, including, through published writings, encouraging mothers to be open-hearted in their love for their dear sons suffering from AIDS. She also wrote extensively about the powerful healing effect of hugs, and gave them freely to all in need.

Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her late husband. Inquiries: www.spanglermortuary.com.