Agnes E. Anderson

Once diagnosed with Vascular Dementia, Agnes Elizabeth “Betty” Anderson never gave up. She never complained. She maintained a brave, happy and optimistic outlook of her future. Though she went through many physical, medical, pain and memory challenges she continued to be involved in her families’ and friends activities, her church life and much more.

She died, Friday night, May 27 at home surrounded by her family.

Agnes, known affectionally to all as Betty, was born December 19, 1930 and grew up in Roslindale MA. She graduated with honors from Notre Dame Academy. She then went on to graduate at the top of her class from The Boston Dispensary School of Medical Technology. Betty went on to work as a laboratory technologist/supervisor at Norwood Hospital, Norwood MA for 35 years.

Soon after graduation Betty met the love of her life John James “Andy” Anderson of Dedham, MA. They were soon wed, moved to Dedham, had five children and were married 53 years until his death.

She had a compassion and interest, not only in her family and others but for knowledge. She would often read a book a day, of various genres, and passed this love of reading/learning to her children. She also made friends easily and stayed in contact with them.

She was an active member in her church as a Eucharistic Minister and member of The Lady’s Sodality. She was a past President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 18, of Dedham, MA. She volunteered on the Dedham Council on Aging, was a Foster mother and a Campfire Girl leader. She was a member of the Young At Heart Club of Dedham and the Dedham Historical Society.

Betty organized many backyard shows and pastry bakes with her children and neighbors to raise money to send to those less fortunate. She was a great supporter of charities. Her love for music and dance extended to shows with the Legion, the church and schools. She guided her children to learn to sing and play instruments and to give to others. She loved camping, swimming, late-night campfires, playing cards and painting.

Even with her diminished abilities in her later years she remained active, lively and always had a smile. When she could no longer read she had her family read to her. When she had difficulty word finding she lovingly accepted cues from others so as to continue communating. When she could not walk she adjusted to the wheelchair. She never gave up. She loved life. She was loved and will be missed.

Betty is survived by her children: daughter Alice O’Connell of Dedham , her son Stephen Anderson and spouse Maureen of Westwood, her son Douglas Anderson and spouse David of Boston , her daughter Leslie Anderson of Dedham and her daughter-in-law Jeanne Anderson of Dedham, spouse of her late son Walter Anderson. Also survived by her brother William Ralph and spouse Patricia of Dedham, her eight grandchildren: Ed McDonough of Nashua, NH, Katie O’Connell of Walpole, Kevin Anderson of Dedham, Daniel Anderson and spouse Heather of Norfolk, Michael Anderson and spouse Kristen of Norwood, Philip Anderson of Washington DC, David Anderson of Singapore, Laura Anderson of Boston,  one great-grandchild Brock Anderson of Norwood and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 PM at Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton St., Dedham MA on Thursday, June 2, 2016.  Funeral from the funeral home at 9AM followed by a mass  of Christian burial at 10 AM at St. Anne’s Church, 82 W Milton St., Hyde Park/Readville MA on Friday, June 3, 2016. Following the mass she will be interred in Brookdale Cemetery, 86 Brookdale Ave in Dedham MA..

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Catholic Charities, 51 Sleeper St., Boston MA, 02210 and/or Monastery of St Clare, 920 Centre St, Jamaica Plain MA 02130 and/or Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers MA 01923.