Saunders, Merigold Tammy - It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Merigold Tammy Saunders on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 54 years old. Words cannot truly capture how extraordinary she was, or how deeply she will be missed.
Tammy was born in Cape Breton, and was the third of four daughters born to the late Glenda Williams. While she lived in Ontario for a time and made many meaningful connections there, her heart ultimately led her back to Nova Scotia, which was always her home.
Tammy started her professional life as a hairdresser, and later joined her husband Peter on the boat as a proud lobster fisherman. To many, those two things would seem unrelated, but they both suited her perfectly. What they shared, and what truly mattered to her, was the opportunity to do what she did best: connect with people. Whether having a conversation with someone as she cut their hair, or building relationships with those who would return year after year to purchase lobster for their special occasions. She made it her mission to connect with others, and if the past week has shown us anything, she absolutely succeeded in that mission. She touched countless lives, and those connections will never be forgotten.
Tammy had a heart for helping others. Her family and friends always knew they could count on her. She gave of herself freely and genuinely, not just to those closest to her, but to anyone who needed support. Helping people was more than something she did—it was who she was. Tammy spent many years volunteering with St. John Ambulance, where she built beautiful friendships and gave so much of her time and energy to the community. In 2011, she began volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross, proudly volunteering her time nationwide to help others in their times of need. No matter where she was needed, Tammy showed up with compassion and strength, and made new friends everywhere she went while she did it. She was a member of the Order of St John, and received the Queens Platinum Jubilee medal with the Red Cross.
Tammy’s love for animals knew no bounds. She will be deeply missed by her beloved furbabies and was predeceased by many more who were dear to her heart. Beyond her pets, Tammy was also known for her compassion in rescuing countless wild animals in need, always going out of her way to lend a helping hand to even the smallest of creatures.
Tammy was always up for an adventure. Whether she was jetting off to a Zumba convention, spending a weekend with friends on the Miramichi River, singing and dancing at her latest concert, jumping out of a “perfectly good” airplane, heading on a road trip to cheer on the Halifax Mooseheads, SCUBA diving for urchins, climbing a volcano in Costa Rica, or discovering the best hidden pizza spot in Italy, she made every moment count. Though her time with us was far too short, it brings comfort to know she truly lived life to the fullest—fearlessly, joyfully, and on her own terms.
Tammy’s greatest joy in life was being a grandmother. She treasured every moment with her grandchildren, always making sure they knew just how deeply they were loved. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to support them, and she was incredibly proud of each of their accomplishments.
Tammy was predeceased by many who loved her, and will be missed by those who remain, notably her loving husband, Peter; daughters, April (James) MacQuarrie and Kayla Rogers; grandchildren, Maddie, Jake and Aubrey; sisters, Dorothy Bushell and Vera Bushell; brother, David (Maxine) Bourgeois; nieces and nephews, Tamara, John Robert, Winter Rose, Rachel, George, Johnathan, Anthony, William and Joseph; many great nieces and nephews; special friends, Stacey Timmons and Karen MacPhee and many more close friends.
In keeping with Tammy’s wishes cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tammy’s name to the Canadian Red Cross.
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