We were saddened to hear of the death of Mrs Pat Sanders, who formerly resided at the bungalow in the grounds of Ellisland. Mrs Sanders, who was born in Dublin, lived at Ellisland for 18 years until 2021. Although in her ninth decade, she took walks along the Nith every day, where she particularly enjoyed the birdlife. She died peacefully on the 7th January 2023, at Senwick House, Borgue. The funeral service will be held at Roucan Loch Crematorium on Tuesday 7th February at 2.00pm. All friends are respectfully invited to attend and to wear the colours of the kingfisher. Her family have written the following obituary to their much loved mother, grand-mother and great-grand-mother.
Patricia Sanders (Nanny Pat), 17th March 1930 – 7th January 2023.
“Patricia was born in Dublin, the youngest of three Tallon sisters. Her father was a successful leather merchant and he moved the family to London just before World War 2. He died during the war and Patricia took on the practical job of managing the family finances.
Her principal occupation was as a private secretary in the House of Commons to a number of MPs, but this allowed her to be one of the first group of skiers to benefit from post war travel.
She met her husband Norman while ballroom dancing in 1957 and her daughter Veronica was born soon after. She took on the substantial role of introducing her new husband’s 11 year old son Richard to the new family unit and with her customary efficiency of organisation, succeeded .
Always avid readers, no TV was allowed in the house in North Harrow until the two children had left home. The couple then embarked on a world tour to complement Norman’s advocacy role with the School of Economic Science. They were both members. In later years, she ‘check read’ newly released children’s books before sending them to her grandchildren. A first edition of the first Harry Potter book was one such gift.
Patricia had always been a skilled artist with a good ‘eye’ and she often helped with Richard’s art homework. She had a significant input into the world of lace making and embroidery and was an enthusiastic member of the Lace Makers Guild and the Dumfries Embroiderers Guild (Now TED). She produced a range of ‘masterpieces’ which now adorn her grand children’s walls.
She celebrated her 90th birthday, still independently occupying her beloved cottage at Ellisland Farm, where she would take daily walks along the banks of the Nith, trying to spot the kingfishers. The family gathered from around the world just in time to avoid the Covid restrictions and her eight great grandchildren and three grandchildren joined her daughter, son and other family members for a fairly lively celebration.
She always sought ‘intelligent conversation’ and at Senwick House, she continued to make her personality count to the end. She died peacefully in her sleep with her daughter close to hand roused by the comment “That’s your mum away then.” She will be missed but her memory will sustain many.