Gertrude Jean Saunders' Obituary
SAUNDERS, Gertrude Jeanne, 98, of Tampa, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 17, 2025, at The Beach House in Wesley Chapel, under the compassionate care of Gulfside Hospice.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John H. Saunders Jr., and two cherished grandsons, John Saunders Jr. and Brent Bissinger.
Gertrude—affectionately known throughout her life as Jean, Jeanne, or “Oney”—is survived by her loving children: Donna Harden of Brooksville, FL; Vivian Bissinger of Doylestown, PA; John H. Saunders of Odessa, FL; and Dean Saunders of Dade City, FL. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Born in Cold Spring, NY, Jean’s vibrant spirit shone from a young age. As a student at Haldane High School, she played the trumpet in the school band at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City. She graduated from Cochran School of Nursing at St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, NY, in January 1948. Her yearbook described her as a "sweet blonde," “quick-footed and witted,” with a smooth complexion that was the envy of many. More importantly, she was a true and loyal friend to all who knew her. Jean later went on to earn a degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida and maintained her RN license for many years after retirement.
Jean married the love of her life, Jack Saunders, on June 19, 1949, in her hometown of Cold Spring. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around faith and family, raising four children and serving God with devotion. Word of Life Ministries was especially close to their hearts.
Jean’s professional life was as varied as it was impactful. She worked as an RN at Tampa General Hospital, led the Red Cross response during the Skyway Bridge collapse—where she was on call for days—and taught medical classes. She also enjoyed a successful career in real estate. Jean was a long-standing member of several churches in the Tampa area, including First Baptist Church, Christ Community Church, and Bayside Community Church.
Even in her final moments, Jean was cherished by The Beach House staff, many of whom came in on their days off just to say goodbye. With a smile, they’d ask if she was done making her rounds—an affectionate nod to her nursing days.
Jean passed surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and strength. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
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