Katherine E. Sanders, known as Kit to her family and many friends, died quietly at home early Friday morning, Jan. 28, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and severe pneumonia. She was surrounded by her four children, her husband, Chuck, and a number of her grandchildren. She was 87.

Kit was born August 27, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pa. She graduated from the Kimberly School in Montclair, N.J. and Bennett Junior College in Millbrook, N.Y. She and Chuck were married on Dec. 23, 1944 and made their home in Montclair, N.J. She was a 20-year active member of the Montclair Junior League and served as vice president of the board for four years. She also volunteered at Mountainside Hospital and Hospice in Montclair.

They vacationed every summer on the Vineyard until moving here year-round in 1989. In 1991 Kit became a member of the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust board and was honored as a lifetime trustee upon her retirement as assistant treasurer. In addition, she served on the board of the Vineyard Haven Library and volunteered at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and COMSOG.

Kit loved and was adept in numerous sports. Early in her life she was an exceptional horsewoman. She enjoyed tennis, paddle tennis and golf, winning the ladies club championship two years in a row at the Edgartown Golf Club. Her greatest joys were her family, home, garden and spending time on the beach with her friends.

She is survived by her husband, Chuck, her daughters, Lynn Pizzirusso, Debby Lewis, Heidi Bryan and her son, Bruce Sanders, 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service in celebration of her life is planned for this summer on the Vineyard. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Island Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.