Paula Patricia (Danard) Sanderson

Paula Sanderson

1931 - 2026

Paula Sanderson, born Paula Patricia Danard, 94, of Carleton Place, passed away peacefully on Friday January 23, 2026 at the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital with loved ones by her side. She was born July 21, 1931, and adopted as a baby by Beverley and Audrey Danard. She spent her formative years in her hometown of Owen Sound, Ontario, a town she loved and was deeply connected to.

Paula lived a very full life and one that was filled with love. On October 17, 1953, she married Jim Sanderson, a handsome young British immigrant who arrived on a work visa a few years before. Their marriage of 45 years was long and loving and filled with many moves and adventures. The four children that came along filled her life with pride and joy. Beloved mother, wife, and devoted friend. Paula found countless ways to create beauty in her life, especially with her incredible gardening skills. Nothing made her happier than getting her hands in the dirt and making a space more beautiful than she found it. She was also an outstanding cook and baker. When the family owned and operated Lake Park Lodge in the 70’s, no one could get enough of her Sandy Burgers, Cherry Cheesecake, and Pecan Pie! Over the years she must have made thousands of cookies, squares, and pies—mostly given away to countless fundraisers. Paula will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, and willingness to help in any way she could, whether it was for a family member or friend, or in her community.

It was important for Paula to give back to her community and she volunteered with many organizations over the years. She was a lifetime member of the Captain Hooper Chapter of the IODE, a valued member of the Carleton Place Horticultural Society where she helped to create and maintain the spectacular gardens at the Heritage Museum and cherished the camaraderie she found there. She also loved her weekly volunteer shift at the Lanark Interval House/Good as New store for the social time and friendships she made. Of course, she also loved the “hunt” for that new outfit. In addition, she actively volunteered with the Hospital Auxiliary, the Cancer Society, and the Zion Memorial United Church, where she was a longtime member. In 2018, she was nominated for Carleton Place Senior of the Year, winning the Award of Distinction.

Though our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the time we had with her. She had a way of making you feel like she was your biggest fan and cheerleader, and we will always carry her love.

Paula is survived by her loving children, Paul (Kim), John (Sandra), Trish, and Bruce. She will be deeply missed by grandchildren Ashley (Kris Armstrong), Cole (Caitie), Daniel (Cassandra), Brittany (John Steckly), Caitlin (Ian Shea), Tom, Morgan (Kyle Moyer), Ian, Shae, Cody, and Jayda. She will be remembered with love by her 11 great-grandchildren Logan, Brooks, Beckett, Torrin, Tiernan, Everett, Riley, Bradley, Tenley, Seyara, and Shelbi. She was predeceased by her mother Audrey, father Beverley, brother Don, and by her beloved husband James William Sanderson who died in 1998.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care, to Dr. Fullerton for his years of compassionate care, to Drew, Sue, and staff at Riverview Seniors Home for their family-like care, and especially to Elizabeth McDiarmid who was a kind friend and a godsend to the family over the years Paula lived at Riverview. And to Sandra Sanderson, our incredible sister-in-law, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We couldn’t have made it through this without you.

Family and friends may visit at the Barker Funeral Home, 19 McArthur Avenue, Carleton Place on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 9:30 am until service in the chapel at 11 am . A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2026 at he Auld Kirk Cemetery, Almonte.

Livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person. Please note that the livestream will begin approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the service and will be hosted on the Barker Funeral Home YouTube Channel.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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