Margaret "Bunny" Saunders

MARGARET (O’HANLON) SAUNDERS

“Bunny”

With her work on this earth finally done, our beloved “Mommy” (age 95) entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

Bunny was born and raised in Greenfield, the sixth of 10 children of the late Joseph A. and Margaret O’Hanlon. She was predeceased by brothers Joseph, Bernard, David, and William O’Hanlon, and sisters Adele Ponticello, Dolores Gigliotti, and Natalie Curtin. She is survived by her sister Eleanor Cunningham of Chicago and brother Edward O’Hanlon of Pittsburgh.

She and her late husband John (Jocko) returned to her family home at 808 Greenfield Avenue to raise their own six children: John (Terri), Kim Yacavino (Tony), Robin Ondo, Amy, Meg Shiffler (the late Bill), and the late Timothy. The family matriarch, Bunny was a master caregiver, generous with her time and attention. She welcomed every opportunity to host a holiday, care for a grandchild, and invite family and friends, near and far, to stop for a cup of tea and slice of homemade pineapple upside down cake.

In her younger years, Bunny enjoyed finding treasures at local garage sales, volunteering at church and school, and organizing annual reunions and white elephant gift exchanges. While her body slowed down, her mind remained active well into her 90s. She worked the daily crossword puzzle in ink, kept up on current events, and tuned in to every Steelers game.

Bunny’s long life was filled with great joy as well as deep sorrow. She grieved the loss of many dear friends and family, including Jocko, her husband of 44 years, Tim, her youngest son, and Judson Shiffler, her youngest grandson. She had many, many happy years celebrating holidays, graduations, weddings and birthdays. She valued her Catholic faith and was a lifelong member of St. Rosalia church.

Bunny’s greatest pride and joy was always her family. She instilled in us a strong sense of family traditions and values, encouraging us to “always do your best, but don’t try to be perfect.” In addition to her loving children, her legacy includes 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who will deeply miss Gram’s warm embrace, sage advice and shamrock cookies. Numerous nieces and nephews will also cherish their memories of Aunt Bunny.

The family is grateful to the wonderful people of The Haven Senior Residence and Bridges Hospice for the loving, compassionate care they provided Bunny in her final year.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. in the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Ave. 15207. Funeral Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Paul Cathedral Parish-St. Rosalia Worship Site. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh, 212 9th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

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