Barbara Merkel Sander

Barbara Merkel Sander, 75, of Cape Carteret, passed peacefully into eternity on Sunday, April 29th around 9:30 a.m. surrounded by her children and grandchildren. For Barbara, death was not the end, but simply a graduation from this life to her reward in the presence of Jesus Christ her Savior!

A casual graveside memorial will be held on Saturday, May 19th promptly at 11:30 am at the Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery on the Bogue Loop Road. Family and friends are then invited back to Bill and Debbie Borcher’s home at 438 Star Hill Drive in Cape Carteret for a time of reminiscing.

All Mothers are endowed with special gifts from God to accomplish the often-harrowing tasks they are afforded in life. Barbara Merkel Sander used her gifts to the fullest! While she seldom fit the mold of “church-goer”, her life exemplified the love and character of Christ to those who we're lucky enough to know her.

Born in Hackensack, N.J. on November 13, 1942, Barbara moved to Swansboro, N.C. with her young son, William John Borchers, in the early 70’s to pursue a better life for them both. She poured her heart into her son and life and worked as many as 3 jobs at a time to provide for them both during the early years.

Barbara’s lifespan exceeded those of her 4 husbands: William Borchers Sr., Tom Lewis, Robert Trader and Heinz Sander. She lived through many hardships and seemingly continual illness, but was never at a loss for a heart touching smile or kind word to lift another person’s spirit. She delivered food for Meals on Wheels, crocheted hats for children with cancer, labored faithfully for years in honor of our veterans at our local VFW and gave herself consistently to many charities both in time and finance throughout her life.

Mom...We will all miss you, but we can only imagine what you are experiencing in Heaven right now! You are truly the Mom many people wished they had.

Barbara is survived by her son; William and daughter in law, Debra; grandchildren, Jared, Stephen and Gabrielle Borchers; as well as step grandchildren, Colton, Danielle and Ethan Brisson; brother and sister in law, Ronnie and Dianne Merkel; nieces, Jeanne Wright Garner and Jennifer Wright Wiles; and nephews, Ronnie, Darrell, Joseph and Glenn Merkel.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.