Irma Barbara Patricia “Pat” Saunders (1930 -2026)

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Irma Barbara Patricia (Pat) on October 7th, 2026 at St Peter’s Hospital
Predeceased by her husband Harry (1988), her sister Marie Forbes ( 2004) and her daughter Dianna Halcrow (2017). Beloved mother to Bob, Mari Anne Saunders, Heather (Joe) Zerafa and Patti Sargent. Cherished grandma to Alena, Chelsea, Johanna, Jessica, Stephanie and Christopher. Loving great grandma to Selena, Knox, Harper, Levi and another precious one on the way.
As a retired social worker (1995), Mom devoted her career to helping others. She continued in retirement through her many community initiatives and involvements, including the first woman chair of the Hamilton Police Services Board, West Mountain Heritage Society, Friends of Auchmar and various women’s and mental health organizations.
We celebrated a lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to her community with many awards including the City of Hamilton Senior of the Year (2014) and the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction Award (2019)
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 9th, 2026 (her 96th birthday) from 1PM to 4 PM (service in the funeral home chapel at 2.30 PM) at M. A. Clark & Sons Funeral Home, 567 Upper Wellington St, Hamilton.
Mom’s work here is done, but her legacy lives on. It lives in every family she helped, every person she mentored, every cause she championed, and every life she touched.
“Rest peacefully, Mom. You spent your life fighting for others and making a difference. May you now rest knowing that your life’s work mattered, and the world is a better place because you were in it”. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of St Peter’s Hospital for the excellent work that they do. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.