Elizabeth "Betty" Kurtz Saunders Obituary
Elizabeth “Betty” Kurtz Saunders passed away in her sleep early in the morning on Friday, August 30, 2024, in Glenview, Ill. She was 93 years old.
Betty was born Elizabeth May Kurtz in Syracuse, New York, on November 27, 1930. She spent most of her childhood in Buffalo, New York, where her father, Laurence, worked as an agronomist and her mother, Lucille, was a local radio singer. Ever their child, Betty was equal parts measured deliberacy, dedicated discipline, quick wit, and endearing whimsy. She survived polio at a young age and went on to become an accomplished athlete (water ballet, tennis, and field hockey) and student. She graduated from Amherst Central High School in Buffalo, New York, in 1948. She attended Dennison University in Granville, Ohio, for two years before transferring to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She met Richard “Dick” Saunders at Northwestern, whom she married on August 29, 1953.
Betty and Dick had two children, Laura May Saunders (Sanibel Island, FL) and Patricia Carol Saunders (Denver, CO), whom they raised in Racine, Wisconsin for many years before moving to Mercer Island, Washington. Betty was an active member of her community wherever she went, serving on the Junior League, as a YWCA board member, President of the Northwestern Alumnae board, and as a Girl Scout troop leader.
Betty and Dick originally retired in Northbrook, Illinois, where they helped raise their grandchildren Russell and Carolyn, frequently attending band concerts, swim meets, water polo games, plays, graduations, confirmations, and more. They also treasured trips to La Canada, California visiting their other two grandchildren, Taylor and Peter and would attend sporting events, graduations and other special moments. The extended family gatherings on Sanibel Island for more than 20 years were among their most cherished memories.
Betty built, maintained, and cherished friendships all over the country throughout her life. She was an avid tennis player into her 70s, played bridge and excelled at needlepoint well into her 80s, and read voraciously all the way up until the very end of her life. She loved animals, movies, the Northwoods of Wisconsin, travel, a nice crisp glass of Chardonnay, and Christmas traditions. She wrote the best cards for all occasions, always remembered to call you on your birthday (even in her 90s), and never hesitated to celebrate the professional, academic, athletic, and creative pursuits of her loved ones. She will be fondly remembered for her sense of humor, creative and specific word choices, book recommendations, strong opinions, commitment to manners, love of a good cookie, and deep faith.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, and her son-in-law, George Garfield. She is survived by her children, Laura Saunders Bernhardt (Tom) of Sanibel Island, Florida, Patricia Saunders Garfield of Denver, Colorado, grandchildren Russell Saunders Bernhardt (Rachel) of Nashville, Tennessee, Carolyn Elizabeth Bernhardt of Portland, Oregon, Taylor Saunders Garfield (Cameron) Lake Hawea, New Zealand, and Peter Saunders Garfield (Alex) of Los Angeles, California, great-grandchildren Billie Sarah Garfield Macallum, Finlay George Garfield Macallum and various nieces and nephews.
Betty’s family will celebrate her life privately. Donations in her name can be sent to:
Bright Futures
Vi Living
2500 Indigo Lane
Glenview, Illinois, 60026
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