Sue Anderson

Sue and John: love strikes at sea

Sue first proclaimed her love to John, her husband of 35 years, via an urgent, priority, long distance call to John's ore boat a few months after they started dating. John ran to receive the call, frantic and nervous, as communication to the boat was reserved for urgent notifications of all things bad. Instead when he reached the phone, he heard the sappy, liquid courage filled words from Sue on her 21st birthday: "I love you, John Anderson" and on and on she poured out her heart to the man she loved and missed so. John was far too happy to hear these words to tell Sue his ore boat did not have a telephone receiver, but rather a radio speaker that clearly carried Sue's heartfelt words to each and every crew member's ears. The spontaneous, passion filled proclamation filled John's heart, and a marriage proposal and wedding followed soon after his return to shore.

A family is born

A very short time later, Sue began fulfilling her life's purpose - bearing and raising children. At the sight of their first son, Sue cried tears of joy, and so did John - after he got sick in the bathroom, that is. John always said Sue was most beautiful when she was pregnant...perhaps that's why she was pregnant six times. She unselfishly dedicated her life to her children, never missing a game, a Christmas program or a parent teacher conference. The Anderson home was hectic, chaotic, crazy, and fun. Sue's welcoming personality and phenomenal cooking made her home a gathering place for family and friends. Those who entered Sue's home rarely left without a hug and a full stomach.

Grandkids: God's reward for putting up with six crazy kids

Sue was known simply as "Mi Mi" to eight blessed grandchildren, whom she adored. Reading to them and rocking them to sleep in her big green recliner filled both her heart and theirs for the past 15 years. She loved to bake them her famous chocolate chip cookies, and every year they proudly flaunted their new scarves and sweaters with a tag inscribed "made by Grandma with love".

Empty Nesters

You could always count on Sue if you wanted to have fun. She loved to dance, and was the center of the circle at every family wedding party as John faultlessly requested "Runaround Sue" be played. Sue also loved to take yearly trips to Mexico and Chicago with her family. Cherished family memories were made on these trips and will always be held dear. In her empty nest years, Sue continued to nurture as she cared for her Mother and Mother In Law. She also enjoyed volunteering at church and hanging with her Curves crew.

In these words and pictures we remember our beloved Mother, Wife, Sister, and friend. We are responsible to tell Sue and Don's stories, to carry on their traditions of love, and to do what they would do if they were here with us now....help others enduring brain tumor treatment.