Evelyn Marie Genevese Saunders, 76 years old, passed peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2014, after a short stay at the Solomons Nursing Center. Her strong will to live combined with the love of her family helped her through a courageous battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Evelyn, also known as "Marie," was born May 15, 1937, in Hamlin, West Virginia to Alfred and Belva Gallimore. Evelyn was one of 8 children and is survived by Toby Gallimore, Doris Porter, and Phyllis Purdy. She was known for her love of life, travel, playing games of chance, and spending time with family.

In 1955, she married the late Richard Harold Saunders, the father of her four children: Kathy A. Hoskins, Linda K. Shurtz, Richard K. Saunders, and Debra R. Klika. She was also a proud step-mother to Karen S. Thompson and Patricia A. Holstein.

Blessed with love, she remarried twice, first to the late Russell Cook in 1992 and then to the late Salvatore "Sam" Genovese December 2003. A loving grandmother and great grandmother she had an abundance of many beloved family members.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 28, 2014 at 11:00AM at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042. Funeral Service will be held at 12:00PM also at National Funeral Home with internment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, by mail at Donor Services P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202, or online at https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate.