Saundra Gaye McCaslin
March 11, 1942 - January 26, 2022
Gaye was born in Wilson, Oklahoma, in 1942. The only child of M. R. “Bob” Chafin and Patricia Marcella Gay. On January 26, 2022 at the age of 79, Gaye passed away peacefully in Gardnerville, Nevada.
Up until the age of 3, Gaye was raised by her aunt Dona Mae Gay, on their farm in Wilson. It was there, where her love for animals and horses began. When she grew older she went to live in North Texas with her mother Pat, and stepfather Albert Henry Martin, Jr. She grew up in the family restaurant business and learned the ins and outs of the service industry at a very young age. It was those skills that helped her earn a living the first 39 years of her life.
She met Thomas Seddon at age 17, and they married shortly thereafter. They had 2 children,
Laura and Brett. Tom was in the service and they moved to a military base in Southern California.
At age 39, Gaye was given a new lease on life with the discovery of Alcoholics Anonymous. She went to Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and obtained her certification to become a drug and alcohol addiction counselor. She worked as a behavioral health counselor
for Carson Tahoe Hospital, The Washoe Tribe and other treatment facilities throughout Northern Nevada up until her retirement. Because of her own struggles with addiction, it was her true calling to serve others once she embraced sobriety. After the death of her daughter Laura in 1997, she opened a women’s transitional living program in Carson City called “Laura’s
House.” She made a positive impact in countless lives throughout her career and will be missed by many.
She met her second husband, Thomas McCaslin while still living in Southern California. They moved to Northern Nevada in 1987 and raised their granddaughter Jessica together.
Gaye loved animals, especially horses and her Bichon Frise, Punky. They brought a lot of
joy to her life. She developed a passion for service and giving to animal welfare efforts.
Gaye is preceded in death by her husband Tom McCaslin, her daughter Laura Seddon, her half-brothers Dale Chafin, Michael Martin, Anthony Martin and her parents Bob Chafin, Al Martin, and Pat Martin.
She is survived by her brother Dennis (Margie) Chafin,son Brett Seddon, granddaughter Jessica (Josh) Patanella, grandson Joseph Chafin, and 2 great grandchildren.
Gaye’s final wishes were to be cremated with no services, but have her loved ones spread
her ashes at some of her most memorable places.
In lieu of flowers, Gaye requested donations be made to support Alcoholics Anonymous
or local animal shelters.