Saundra Diane Hames of Sanford, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, September 24, 2023 at the age of 76. She was born on July 2, 1947 in Spencer, West Virginia.
Saundra is preceded in death by her parents, Phil Harper and Ada Pursley, her brother, Charles Loyd Shaffer, and nephews Brian Shaffer and David Shaffer.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bill Hames; Son, Brad Hames; Sister, Betsy Burton; Grandchildren, Zachery Hames, Zoe Hames, Sydney Hames, Saige Hames; Great-grandchildren, Augustine Morgan-Hames, Arabella Morgan-Hames; Niece, Michele Burnett; Nephew, Jay Davis (Kristy); Great niece, Alisha Spears (Wesley); Great-nephews, Phillip Kondracki, Jeffrey Burnett, Alston Davis; and Great-great nieces, Chloe Burnett, Amelia Spears
Saundra’s love for children started early in her life when she started babysitting as a teenager in West Virginia. After moving to Florida 1969 she worked at Harcar Aluminum and Cardinal Industries until she began her home childcare business in the early 1970’s. Saundra was an integral part of countless families lives as they entrusted their children to her care. She may have started as a childcare provider, but very quickly, she became part of their family.
One of Saundra’s most spoken phrases was, “I love everyone”, and that was so true, she never met a stranger. She always knew at least one person every single place she went.
To the countless children she loved and cared for, hold tight to the memories of learning to swim (kick, kick, kick), beef stew, waffles with peanut butter and syrup, hotdogs with mac and cheese, the fly swatter, feeding the ducks and taking walks around the block.
To her family she leaves a legacy of love for each other, love of children, amazing cooking, strength, hard work and joyful memories of road trips, day trips, school trips, shopping trips, larger than life holidays and family reunions.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Viewing/Celebration of Life at National Cremation and Burial Society (7565 Red Bug Lake Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765) on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Visitation for the family will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will be open to all from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.