Gwendolyn (Veinot) Saunders

Gwendolyn (Veinot) Saunders

LEOMINSTER—Gwendolyn (Veinot) Saunders, 91, passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at Life Care Center of Leominster surrounded by her family.

Born July 29, 1925, in Ashburnham, she was the daughter of the late Aubrey Guy and Sarah E. (Whitworth) Veinot.

Gwen was a 1942 graduate of Cushing Academy where she pursued secretarial studies and was active in student life. As she was remembered in her class yearbook by her peers, so she would be held dear by all the future lives she would touch: “Everyone's first impression of Gwen is that of a stunning, radiant person full of life and its joys. She's easy on the nerves for her graciousness, and her enthusiasm spreads happiness among all her classmates.”

While at Cushing, Gwen met fellow classmate Edward Saunders of Baldwinville. They were married June 22, 1946, in Gardner and settled in Leominster where they lived permanently.

During World War II, Gwen worked locally under the U.S. Ordnance Corps whose responsibilities included the procurement and production of weapons and munitions. Gwen's active role was to dutifully track inventory and order materials from the government. She also worked in the production of bomb nose fuses.

On the day the WW II ended, Gwen was contacted by the headmaster's office of Cushing Academy, and she returned to her alma mater to serve as secretary and executive assistant to the headmaster for eight years.

Gwen also worked as a substitute secretary in the Leominster Public School System from 1967-1971 when she became the full-time secretary in the Leominster High School library. She maintained that position until her retirement in 1991.

Gwen was a long-time active member Leominster's Unitarian Universalist First Church where she taught Sunday School. She loved her home and everything about homemaking. She enjoyed knitting, crafts, crossword puzzles, the ocean, and time spent with family. She was especially fond of the world of nature including birds, flowers, and gardening. For 15 summers, Gwen and Ed enjoyed sailing the coast of Maine aboard the schooner windjammer The Victory Chimes. She also drew great pleasure from the love and companionship of Boston Terrier dogs.

Gwen was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Edward J. Saunders who passed away on May 27, 2011. Also her sisters Harriet Barlow (Clement) of Newcomerstown, Ohio, formerly of Lunenburg; Josephine Cook (George) and Ruth Simonds (James) of Leominster.

She is survived by her daughter Sarah E. Fullen and her husband Thomas of Leominster, and many nieces and nephews.

Gwen's family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the loving staffs of both Life Care Center of Leominster and Manor on the Hill. Their devoted care and friendship will always be remembered and profoundly appreciated.

SAUNDERS—As per Gwen's request, there will be no calling hours, and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gwen's memory may be made to the cause of one's choice.

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