Amazing Grace
Grace Sanderson left an indelible impression on all who knew her. She was an inspiration for her 13 children, 35 grandchildren, 57 great grand children and four great, great grandchildren. Her family called her the Energizer. Even at 89, she lived life to the fullest and was a role model for the entire Sanderson clan.
Grace died peacefully on Monday, March 7, surrounded by her family. Her husband Lloyd, also active in the community, died 10 years ago. Together, they left a legacy of community service unparalled in Brampton.
When the children were young, the family home burned down and the siblings were scattered to aunts and uncles and friends for about six months. The generosity of people, some complete strangers, was a life lesson for mom, dad and the kids.
“We saw first-hand how people reached out and helped a family in need and that stuck with all of us,” says son John Sanderson, a Peel Regional Councillor.
Lloyd became a charter member of the Chinguacousy Lions Club. Grace and daughter Glenda Coupland were charter members of the Lionettes. The three of them served at every level of the community service organization. Glenda and her late husband Len became District Governors.
“Every step of the way Mom was encouraging and supporting us,” says Glenda.”During my year as District Governor, I visited 87 clubs throughout the district and she was with me every time.”
Both Glenda and Grace have 39 years of perfect attendance. Grace has received the Helen Keller award, Judge Brian Stevenson award and Lions’ highest honour, the Melvin Jones award. She was a life member of Lions International and The Lions International Foundation. Glenda’s brother Howard has 34 years service. Brother Jim has 5 years and two grandsons Les and Wesley with one year.
Moreover, the Rotary Club of Brampton awarded Grace its highest award, a Paul Harris Fellow, for her contribution to community. She was in good company with her family. Lloyd, John, Glenda, Len and Bill have all been awarded a Paul Harris Fellow.
“Mom was about longevity and commitment. She stuck with things. Once she committed, that was it. She put her heart and soul into everything she touched. There was no such thing as a half measure. ”
One of her hobbies was rug hooking. “Over her life, we all got a rug. She must have made 100 rugs, one as recently as this past Christmas for a neighbour.”
Former Premier Bill Davis says, “Grace was the strength of the Sanderson family. The family has made a great contribution to the life of Brampton. As the person responsible for the upbringing of the Sanderson children, she deserves a great deal of credit for how they have turned out and are making a great contribution to our community.”
Brampton Board of Trade CEO Gary Collins says “Grace was a dedicated Brampton leader who had a great impact. She believed in giving back to her community. Her legacy will live on through her children.”
“The extent of her service to community is incredible. She has hosted an annual barbecue at her home for 300 plus people for 39 years. The money raised goes to support charity – in each of the last four years about $10,000 was raised for Wellspring Chinguacousy, Brampton Safe City and the William Osler Foundation. The Lions motto is We Serve and Grace has been doing it all her life,” says Luigi Gandolfo, President Chinguacousy Lions.
“When I first returned to Rotary, I saw Grace so often at Rotary events I thought she was a Rotarian that I just hadn’t met yet. What I came to realize over time is that Grace supported all her children and their charitable work. Son John was a Rotarian and despite her years with Chinguacousy Lions, she was just as comfortable helping Rotarians raise money for her community. As a service organization, we were better for our relationship with Grace and Lions,” says Stephen Rhodes, Past President of the Rotary Club of Brampton.
True to their community legacy the Grace and Lloyd Sanderson Endowment Fund has been established at The Brampton and Area Community Foundation. To make a donation in the memory of Grace and extend the family’s commitment to community, visit www.bramptonareacf.ca/