Mark William Sieger Sanders, beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away on May 24, 2024, at the age of 28. Mark's life, though far too brief, was filled with love for art and music, gentle kindness and compassion, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

Born on March 31, 1996, Mark grew up and lived in Severna Park, Maryland. He is survived by his parents, Sandra and Mark Sanders, and his younger brother, Tyler Sanders. He was extremely close with all three of them. He also leaves behind friends and extended family who all mourn this tremendous loss. Mark attended American University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Philosophy. Professionally, he was employed at PNC Bank for years before transitioning into a career as a certified fitness instructor.

Mark had a profound passion for music. He skillfully played both electric and acoustic guitars, as well as the bass guitar, drums, and synthesizer.

He was also a talented artist who painted beautiful abstract works. He enjoyed spending time appreciating a variety of styles of art in museums, visiting them for school assignments, as well as with his parents for fun. Additionally, Mark appreciated the arts of high fashion and fine dining when special occasions called for such fancy pleasures.

Mark's endearing and goofy sense of humor brought joy to those around him as well. Sandy fondly recalls when Mark was a student in her English classroom and how much he'd tease and test her to make sure she was reading his assignments closely. He laughed with everyone who was close to him about the smallest of things, and they could come back to the joke days later.

Mark had an impressively disciplined nature, which extended to all his pursuits. He tracked the stock markets every single day and kept up with financial news. His father recalls how Mark fully invested himself in everything he did, from playing guitars all night to engaging intensely in his favorite video games. This dedication was also reflected in his fitness regimen, which became an area for ongoing quality time with his brother Tyler. He also persevered with his studies, even when mental health struggles provided steep obstacles. Even when he had to take some time off to take care of himself, he never lost sight of how important it was to him to complete the task.

Mark was also known for his gentle and considerate demeanor. He was always observant and mindful of the feelings of others. His love for animals, especially cats, was evident in many places. He'd frequently send cat memes back and forth with his mother and was utterly devoted to his own pet cats, Yoshi, Kal, and Willow. If a cat was wandering outdoors, he'd always pick it up tenderly and kiss its head, a testament to his nurturing and compassionate spirit. He even fantasized about opening a Cat Café one day.
Remember Mark as a young man who was filled with love, creativity, and a profound appreciation for the small moments that make life beautiful. He is deeply missed, and the memories will be forever cherished by those whose lives he touched.

In honor of Mark's life, his family invites those who wish to consider making a donation in his memory to the Howard County Cat Club (howardcountycats.org) or Small Miracles Cat and Dog Rescue (smallmiraclesrescue.org). These organizations embody the compassion and care that Mark held so dearly in his heart.

This obituary was written by Life-Cycle Funeral Celebrant Emily Karp, of Grief Pictured, LLC.