Elma Rose Saunders

Saunders, Elma Rose June 27, 1925 – July 18, 2014

Elma Rose Saunders was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica on June 27, 1925. She grew up in the parish of St. James. She was the 4th child of 7 siblings. Her mother was Zetta Thompson and her father was Jeremiah Hemmings. Elma was a lady of grace and was noticed for her quiet, polite and humble disposition. She lost her father early in life at 40yrs old as a teenager and was quickly shown how to take on family responsibilities and mentor the younger siblings. Her mother could not work, but extended family and friends helped grandma Zetta financially, spiritually and emotionally. Elma learned early on to depend on God for everything by the example of her mom. There were times when the siblings were not together as a family but kept a very close relationship growing up. They were taught that even though their father wasn’t alive the Heavenly Father in heaven would take care of them and that they could depend on Him. Her eldest sister Viola graduated from teacher’s college and remained in Jamaica to assist her younger siblings in their education along with Uncle Billy who worked for the railroad systems. Elma was educated in Jamaica and was a trained photographer. Her sibling’s went to various parts of the world to further their education. Madge and Dorothy studied nursing in England. Gloria studied in Montreal to become a dietician. Elma married Alfred Saunders who she met in church and later had three sons. She moved to Montreal in 1968 and lived there for many years with her family. She rebranded herself and became an Electronic technician for Northern Telecom and lived there until 1976. In search for a better life she moved to Calgary in 1977 and again rebranded herself and worked in the nursing homes as a caregiver and server. She helped all her sons as best as she could in all areas of life. She will be remembered for her commitment as a mother who endured many challenges and overcame all of them. All who have come to know her will remember her by her genuine smile, good sense of humor and warm heart. She was also an active member within her local church and a strong believer in prayer. She is survived by her sisters Madge and Dorothy; her sons Romeo, Errol and Basil; her grandchildren Romeo Jr, Christopher, Sarah, Salome, Stephanie, Simone and Aidan. She also leaves many other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her sisters Viola, Gloria, and brothers Sonny and Leo.

Funeral Home:

Pierson’s Forest Lawn Chapel

4121 – 17 Avenue SE

Calgary, AB

CA T2A 0T1