Nancy J. Saunders
January 25, 2021
Nancy Janette Saunders, age 64, passed away Monday, January 25, 2021 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.
Nancy was born June 24, 1956 in Des Moines, Iowa to Natchio and Rosalie (Garcia) Vasquez. She graduated from Saydel High School and was a life-long resident of the Des Moines area. She earned her Associate Degree from DMACC. Nancy married Larry Saunders on June 4, 1983.
Nancy was the best mommy and her kids always told her she was “the cutest”. She made the best pies and enchiladas. Nancy was always happy and was a good, caring person. She loved to read and spend time with her dog, Cooper. Nancy was strong-willed and stubborn in the best possible way. She was a fighter and a survivor, having beat breast cancer two times. She was dealt a tough hand in life, but faced it with great courage. Nancy’s smile and her chuckle would light up the room. She was a woman of great faith. She loved prayer and was a Child of God.
She is survived by her children, Valerie Saunders and Gregory (Kristen) Saunders; her brothers, Marty Vasquez (Theresa), Regan Vasquez (Mollie), and Mac Vasquez (Shelly); many nieces and nephews, and her dog, Cooper.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Saunders; parents, Natchio and Rosalie Vasquez; brother, Marcus (sister-in-law, Kathy Ann); sister, Amalia (Bombi); and Amalia’s dog, Katie, who was also a beloved family member.
There will be a private family celebration of life on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Guests may attend the visitation virtually through the link below. Eulogists will be speaking at approximately 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Nancy.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Cathie Freund
02/06/2021
I worked with Nancy for many years. I will miss her singing to Barry White! She can keep everybody happy in Heaven.
Susan (Jenkins) Frevert
02/04/2021
Nancy was a dear, kind person. I remember her best from cheerleading our senior year. She will be missed by so many.
Love you Nancy!
Angie Trudell Vasquez
02/03/2021
Nancy's smile lit up the room. She was the kindest woman, I enjoyed hearing the stories many people told about her at the service last night. She has my Dad's niece and I am so sorry she has passed. I know she had much more love to give.
Sandy Shepley
02/02/2021
I will miss Nancy very much. We met at Our Saviour Lutheran Church. We sat together at Bible study and went out to lunch a few times. She had the best smile and such a warm heart.
Sorral Figueroa
02/02/2021
Nancy was one my favorite cousins and I always looked forward to seeing her at family celebrations. Her warm smile and kind spirit will forever live in my memories and heart. She was a very special woman, may she rest in peace!
Marge whiting
02/02/2021
I will truly miss her singing at work but I know I will hear it floating on a warm summers breeze. prayers of support to her family
Margaret Lee
02/02/2021
👼Nancy was my sister in cancer. She always had a huge smile on her face even on days she didn't feel well. She had an amazing heart and an angelic voice that I will miss hearing on my visits to the clinic. I have never met a kinder soul and know that God took her home to be with him because he needed one more angel to fill his choir. Rest in peace sister.
Lena Avila Robison
02/02/2021
Nancy you will be forever missed in our lives. Youve always been such a loving and caring cousin.
Love to all the families💗
Tina Marzan
02/02/2021
Nancy was one of the strongest, kindest and most loving person I have known. May you be at peace and in the loving arms of God, your husband and your sister.
Christine Sinclair
02/02/2021
I had the privilege of working with Nancy for the last 7 years. She was an amazing person! It was impossible to have a bad day when you were around her. She was sassy and full of life...always wearing a smile...always making us laugh...always singing. On days when it was quiet in the office you could hear her beautiful voice as she sang with the radio while she sat at her desk. It's hard to believe we'll never hear that again. It was impossible not to love her and I was so blessed to call her my friend.
Dan & Lara Bunkers
02/02/2021
Since we met in 1983, both of us in the midst of wedding planning our lives have so changed. Married, kids and simply just life. Nancy' children were her gift from God and she celebrated this gift every day. Even as the years move on your smile and kindness is something never to be forgotten. You have fought life's challenges so gracefully. Your perpetual light will shine forever! Rest in peace and enjoy the celebration GOD had waiting for you in heaven. You will be missed by many!
Mary Henson Saunders
02/01/2021
I have known Nancy for 30+ years. She has always been kind and generous. I have many stories where our kids played together and grew into wonderful adults. The past two years have been tough for both of us medically. She held my hand when I went through Chemo smiling and laughing to help me endure. I will never forget what a true friend she has been. Love to you and yours.
Beth Stufflebeam
02/01/2021
i always enjoyed talking with Nancy when we worked together at Mercy. she fought a good fight. prayers of healing and peace to all of her family n friends!!
Frank Steele
01/31/2021
Nancy was my aunt and I loved her dearly. Some of my fondest memories was when Nancy took me to Union Park to play on the playground with my cousins. We went to the movies together and to the circus to see "The Greatest Show on Earth". I had so much fun. She made the best enchiladas. I was truly blessed to have aunt Nancy in my life. I love you aunt Nancy.
I will miss you, but know I will see you again, when we meet in heaven.
Cindy Whalen
01/30/2021
Nancy was one of the strongest women I have ever known. She will be missed by many. Condolences to her family.