Amy Saunders

April 19, 1953 - Jan. 30, 2024

Amy Lorraine Saunders, 70, of Federal Way, WA, left us on January 30, 2024, after a year of courageously facing cancer. Born on April 19, 1953, in Green Bay, WI to Lorraine Lois and Albert Lee Saunders, who both predeceased her. Amy is fondly remembered by her brothers, Bary Saunders (Phoenix) and Kyle Saunders (Ogden, Utah), her nieces Lindsay Saunders (Atlanta), Andrea "Andie" Saunders (Salt Lake City), and Audrey Saunders (Los Angeles), and nephew Benjamin Saunders (Phoenix). Her beloved dogs, Lacy, Pepper, and Zoe, the diva, were her constant companions, filling her world with joy and laughter. Known for her unparalleled sociability and exceptional conversational skills, Amy had a unique ability to connect with people, especially if you were also an Aries. Her authenticity and charm were her trademarks, even as her frankness sometimes stirred the waters. Amy’s early years were marked by adventures with her brother Bary on family camping trips at Anvil Lake in WI; despite hauling an incredible amount of firewood and water, they often reminisced about their time exploring the wonders of nature—hunting for frogs, fireflies, and the northern lights, and mastering the art of creating no-match fires. These experiences nurtured Amy's adventurous spirit, boldness, and insatiable curiosity, qualities that defined her throughout her life. After marrying Bruce Terrill in Columbia Missouri in 1980, they soon moved to Seattle, a city that matched her spirit of adventure and exploration. Together, they enjoyed the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, engaging in kayaking, roller skating, biking, and immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of the area. Despite their divorce in 2000, their friendship endured. Amy's intellect and curiosity were evident in every sphere of her life. She loved math, reading, and science, and was always ready to tackle any challenge, notably disassembling and reassembling a washing machine to fit it into a new home. Her practical skills were as admirable as her academic achievements, which included a Bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA from City University of Seattle. These qualifications led her to a fulfilling career across various roles from “The Bug Lab” to the “The Cath Lab” to the Urology lab among other pursuits. The most significant portion of Amy's career was devoted to the cardiac catheterization lab first in Missouri as a lab technician then managing the lab at Swedish Hospital. Her contributions extended beyond the lab's confines when she gave invaluable feedback to Quinton about their CathCart, which led to them hiring her to do their sales which enabled her to travel the country including Hawaii. Her outstanding performance in sales gave her the opportunity to take a hiatus from work for several years before Amy got back into the medical world until her final retirement years. Amy's passions extended beyond her professional life to her garden, where she nurtured tomatoes, flowers, and kept the hummingbirds fed, and to her kitchen, where she loved experimenting with new recipes. A savvy investor, she enjoyed discussing stocks and was always looking for a good deal. However, it was at French Lake Park, her local dog park, where Amy found a profound sense of belonging. The community she built there, among fellow dog lovers, became a source of joy and support, highlighting the beautiful tapestry of relationships that she nurtured throughout her life. Amy's legacy is one of love, resilience, and the ability to forge deep connections. As a sister, aunt, friend, and devoted dog mom, she left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Old Dog Haven, a tribute to Amy's lifelong compassion for animals. Her adventurous spirit, generosity, and the community she built will be remembered by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with her.