Mitzi Sanders Wegerek, 92, of Burlington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on June 22, 2026, after a courageous battle with oral cancer during her final years.
Born on February 7, 1934, Mitzi was the daughter of the late William Boman Sanders and Ola Allen Sanders. A native of Burlington and lifelong resident, she was deeply rooted in the community she loved and faithfully lived her life guided by her Baptist faith.
Mitzi was a devoted mother whose greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her son, David Sanders Wegerek, whom she loved deeply and supported unconditionally throughout her life.
A proud graduate of Walter M. Williams High School, Mitzi was a member of the very first senior class to graduate from Williams. She continued her education at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, graduating in 1956 as the Salutatorian of her class.
Mitzi dedicated much of her life to education and to the children of Burlington. She began her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at Grove Park Elementary School and later devoted many years as a substitute teacher and volunteer at Marvin B. Smith School. She possessed the extraordinary gift of remembering the names of every student she taught and could recognize many of them decades later when meeting them around town. Her students and colleagues alike cherished her kindness, intelligence, and genuine care for others.
Outside the classroom, Mitzi enjoyed an active life filled with many talents and passions. She was an avid golfer in earlier years and proudly achieved two holes-in-one during her golfing career. She was known for her exceptional vocabulary, her mastery of crossword puzzles, and her remarkable baking abilities. Friends and family especially looked forward to the Christmas sampler plates she lovingly prepared each year, featuring her famous chocolate fudge, Nuttyfingers, and chocolate chip cookies — favorites of her son, David.
Above all, Mitzi will be remembered as an extraordinarily kind, generous, and accepting woman whose warmth touched countless lives. Her gentle spirit, sharp mind, and loving heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the many doctors, nurses, and caregivers who assisted Mitzi through the medical challenges she bravely faced.
A private family burial service will be held on the morning of July 6, 2026, followed by a public visitation with the family from noon until 2:00 p.m. at Rich & Thompson Funeral Home, 306 Glenwood Avenue, Burlington, North Carolina 27215.
Memorial donations in Mitzi’s honor may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
