Elizabeth “Liz” N. Saunders, age 71, of Delaware City, DE passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Liz was born on April 12, 1953 in Wilmington, DE to the late J. Harry and Elva Elizabeth (Megee) Nickle. She was raised in Delaware City, DE and could often be found climbing trees, avoiding gardening chores, and outplaying the town boys in baseball, earning the nickname “Snowball Pete.” Liz attended Tower Hill School (Wilmington, DE), graduating in 1971, where she excelled in field hockey and lacrosse. In her senior year, Liz was named captain of the girl’s field hockey team, and had undefeated seasons in both field hockey and lacrosse. She went on to pursue a BS in Chemistry from Muhlenberg College (Allentown, PA) where she met three lifelong friends: Beverly Hutchinson, Janet Schroeder, and Patti Hooper. After college, she completed her master’s degree in Biochemistry in 1980 from University of Delaware (Newark, DE). Shortly after, while playing racquetball, she met her devoted husband of 40 years, W. Daniel Saunders.
Staying true to her roots, Liz remained in Delaware City for her entire life, choosing to live and raise her own family next door to her childhood home. She went into the family business and worked as an insurance agent for her mother’s insurance agency, the Elva E. Nickle Agency, Inc. through her retirement in 2018.
Caring deeply for the community in which she grew up, Liz was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Delaware City, where she served as Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Vestry Member, Treasurer, Altar Guild Member, Acolyte, and Sunday School Teacher. A child at heart until the end, Liz loved playing games, pranking her family and friends, and cracking jokes when she decided a moment was too serious. She especially delighted in being able to teach her children and grandchildren all of her tricks.
Liz was preceded in death by her beloved parents, J. Harry Nickle and Elva E. Nickle; siblings, John H. Nickle, Jr., and Elva I. Nickle; and niece, Amy E. Rominger. She is survived by her husband, W. Daniel Saunders; children, Janet E. Saunders and D. Curtis Saunders (Megan B.); brother, Henry E. Nickle (Anne J.); nieces and nephews, Elizabeth A. Nickle, Lee D. Herzog (Katie A.), and Scott C. Nickle; and cherished grandchildren, Emma E. Nida, Natalie I. Nida, and John M. Saunders.
A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, March 1st at St. James Episcopal Church Mill Creek, 2106 St James Church Rd, Wilmington, DE. A reception for family and friends will be held at the church following the service. A private internment for family members will be at Harbeson (DE) Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Liz may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, Mill Creek.
