Marie Sandler

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Marie R. Sandler, 97, of Perryville died Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville.

She was born Jan. 1, 1916, in Perryville, the daughter of Andrew and Louise Pannier Emmendorfer. She married Edgar Sandler on Nov. 9, 1963, who preceded her in death Oct. 26, 1999. Also preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Mabel L. (Glennon) Hunt on Feb. 8, 1997, and Earline (Harvey) Prost on Feb. 8, 1999; and two brothers, Valle (Emma Weisler) on April 17, 1996, and infant Melvin Emmendorfer.

"Aunt Marie," as she was lovingly referred to by many, including more than 60 nieces and nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews, gave strong faith-filled support to all these and anyone else she heard needed care. Although she had no children of her own, "she treated all of us as her own," says a nephew. When she wasn't caring for someone else, she enjoyed playing cards, bowling (expert bowler, having won many tournaments and trophies), dancing, cooking, baking, quilting, gardening and fishing.

She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, and a strong supporter of St. Vincent Schools, where she volunteered for many years after her 31-year career at International Shoe Factory, where she became an instructor and floor lady. She was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, having held leadership positions, and was a past regent for the Daughters of Isabella.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from 6:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Tuesday at Miller Family Funeral Home in Perryville. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. today, and the rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, with the Rev. Milton Ryan, CM officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

The family requests memorials to St. Vincent School Endowment Fund.