Obituary of Nancy Marie Anderson

Nancy was born on February 17, 1935, to Swedish immigrants Erik and Ester Lutter. Her older siblings were Eric Arnold Luther and Dorothy May Oren. Her early years living in Puyallup, Washington, were difficult for her family as they struggled through the Great Depression. Her time spent helping with the chicken farm and her proud Swedish heritage provided her with a trove of stories that she enjoyed telling until the very end. Nancy earned teaching credentials at Pacific Lutheran University, and taught fourth grade in the Puyallup School District until the lucky day she married Howard William Anderson on August 4, 1961. Thus began an epic love story that lasted 49 years. The couple had three children, Denise (Don) Keenan, Debbie (Ken) Welch, and Darren. Denise and Debbie blessed her with four grandchildren: Josh, Jonny, Abbie, and Andrew, whom she viewed as the future and the most joyful aspect of her life. Her family was her everything. She said that the best thing she ever did was to marry Howard. The last couple of years, she often told him that they had a good run together. She adored her children and was so very proud of them. She was always in their corner and gave them tremendous support. She loved her sons-in-law and welcomed them into the family with open arms. She delighted in her grandchildren. She often said how happy she was that they lived next door. How she loved it when they would come to visit! She would not have traded watching her grandchildren grow up for anything! She was more than a grandmother to the children. She was their beloved MorMor. All four loved her with a profound love. Trusting in Jesus Christ was the foundation of Howard and Nancy’s years together. Throughout their life, they always looked to God for guidance. They filled their home with music and laughter. Together they built a beautiful life on the hill in Edgewood. One of Nancy’s favorite places was the little yellow cabin on Hood Canal in Holly, Washington. To her, it was one of the most beautiful places around. Many, many fond memories were created there. Crafting was a particular joy for Nancy. For twenty-five years she made and sold crafts at various craft bazaars throughout the region. Her love of nature, especially pine cones, sea shells and flowers, could often be seen in her handiwork. Throwing parties gave Nancy immense pleasure. How she loved to have a good time! Whether it was playing games, singing songs, or just plain being together, fun would be had by all. The holidays were so special for so many of us. Huge parties always revolved around Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Part of the success of those gatherings came from all of the food she would prepare. She could pump out the food like nobody’s business….turkey, ham, stuffing, salads, desserts…..! One never left her house hungry. Baking was a way that Nancy showered love on those around her. Many of us were fortunate to have tasted her wonderful pies. Apple, wild blackberry, rhubarb, lemon meringue, and pumpkin are just a sampling of the pies she would make. If a fruit was in season, you most likely would find it in one of her pies. To everyone Nancy came in contact with, she expressed an openness and love that never failed to leave a lasting impression. Her hospitality and generosity touched many lives. A woman of contentment, she taught us all by her example. Though her achievements were many, her self-sacrifice will stand as her most holy legacy. As if loving unconditionally her husband, children, and grandchildren were not enough, the majority of her life was spent in service to her church community and unselfishly in the care of her sister, mother, daughter, and husband through extended illnesses. Nancy went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 26, 2010. She was 75 years old and in those 75 years, she made a tremendous impact on all those who came in contact with her. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. One cannot live such a remarkable life without making an equally remarkable impression. After all is said and done, she taught us that “…these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 Memorial gifts can be sent to: Wycliffe Bible Translators P. O. Box 628200 Orlando, FL 32862-8200 (Enclose a separate note stating “for the ministry of Carl and Carol Luther, - Account #215924”) Her immediate family remaining behind is eager to hear your stories and memories as part of the tapestry that is woven by a life well-lived. Viewing will be held on Tuesday October 5 from 5-8 p.m. at Curnow Funeral Home, 1410 Main St. Sumner. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday October 6 2:15 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 9, 3 p.m. at Jovita Baptist Church, 1120 114th Ave. E. Edgewood. 253-927-2427