Mary Ellen Anderson
d. December 12, 2016
Mary Ellen Anderson of Hanley Falls, MN and most recently a resident of Clarkfield Care Center was called from this life to eternal life on December 12th, 2016.
Mary Ellen (Cordingley) Anderson was born June 18, 1935, in Montevideo, to Clair and Hannah (Smith) Cordingley. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. John's Lutheran Church and graduated from Montevideo High School. Mary Ellen married Orville Anderson on May 23rd, 1954. Their first home was in Monte and they later settled in Hanley where they raised four children: Janell, Jon, Jeff, and Susan.
Mary Ellen was a member of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church where she served on Parish Education, taught Sunday school, and participated in Ladies Aid. When they first moved to Hanley, she was a telephone operator. For a number of years, Mary Ellen also served as an election judge.
The work she was mainly committed to was her role as mom, homemaker, and daycare mom. As her own children grew older, Mary Ellen did Daycare for many children and grandchildren. She lovingly cared for them all and kept in touch with her "extended families."
Mary Ellen was a devoted and loving mom and grandma. She was proud of her family and so excited to hold each new grandchild. Church and school activities for grandkids were never missed. Mary Ellen loved holidays and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with family was important to her. She would spend hours cooking, baking, and preparing for company. Traditions were important; she made sure family was together on significant dates and holidays. She took pride in decorating for holidays And no one went without a birthday cake! She enjoyed going for coffee and visiting with the coffee crew. Gift giving and cards were a must on many occasions. Christmas cards with long, pride filled, hand written letters to family and friends were sent every year; she even wrote on her cards this year. And she loved receiving them even more.
Mary Ellen will be remembered for her smile, her good nature, her kindness, her never-ending giving, her always taking time for and putting others first, and her loving and soft heart. She unconditionally loved her family and extended families.
Mary Ellen had the privilege to share her last years with her special friend Bill Sharkey and his children, Steve and Jill Fry and families, and Billy and Sandy Sharkey and families. Mary Ellen and Bill enjoyed going to movies, eating out, spending time together with treasured families, and enjoying each other's company. They were a blessing to each other.
Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter Janell (Jerry) Paulson of Granite Falls, son Jon (Tammy) Anderson of Granite Falls, son Jeff (Susie) Anderson of Marshall, and daughter Susan (Chad) Lerud of Hanley Falls; grandchildren Blake (Hannah), Jacob, Nicholas, Sophie, Olivia, Kolby, Bella, Aubrey, Dylan, Cody, Sydney, and Colten; brother Ken (Ruth Ann) Cordingley, Aberdeen, SD; sister-in-law Mavis Punt, Lakeville; brother-in-law Roy (Janice) Anderson, Montevideo; sister-in-law Verlie (Dan Blank) Alexandria; sister-in-law JoAnn (Walt) Myhre, Watson; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by parents Clair and Hannah Cordingley, and in-laws Alfe and Bessie Anderson.
Mom always comforted and reassured through a gentle hug, flowing tears, and an "It'll be okay!" Forever in our hearts you will be, Mom.
Mary Ellen (Cordingley) Anderson was born June 18, 1935, in Montevideo, to Clair and Hannah (Smith) Cordingley. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. John's Lutheran Church and graduated from Montevideo High School. Mary Ellen married Orville Anderson on May 23rd, 1954. Their first home was in Monte and they later settled in Hanley where they raised four children: Janell, Jon, Jeff, and Susan.
Mary Ellen was a member of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church where she served on Parish Education, taught Sunday school, and participated in Ladies Aid. When they first moved to Hanley, she was a telephone operator. For a number of years, Mary Ellen also served as an election judge.
The work she was mainly committed to was her role as mom, homemaker, and daycare mom. As her own children grew older, Mary Ellen did Daycare for many children and grandchildren. She lovingly cared for them all and kept in touch with her "extended families."
Mary Ellen was a devoted and loving mom and grandma. She was proud of her family and so excited to hold each new grandchild. Church and school activities for grandkids were never missed. Mary Ellen loved holidays and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with family was important to her. She would spend hours cooking, baking, and preparing for company. Traditions were important; she made sure family was together on significant dates and holidays. She took pride in decorating for holidays And no one went without a birthday cake! She enjoyed going for coffee and visiting with the coffee crew. Gift giving and cards were a must on many occasions. Christmas cards with long, pride filled, hand written letters to family and friends were sent every year; she even wrote on her cards this year. And she loved receiving them even more.
Mary Ellen will be remembered for her smile, her good nature, her kindness, her never-ending giving, her always taking time for and putting others first, and her loving and soft heart. She unconditionally loved her family and extended families.
Mary Ellen had the privilege to share her last years with her special friend Bill Sharkey and his children, Steve and Jill Fry and families, and Billy and Sandy Sharkey and families. Mary Ellen and Bill enjoyed going to movies, eating out, spending time together with treasured families, and enjoying each other's company. They were a blessing to each other.
Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter Janell (Jerry) Paulson of Granite Falls, son Jon (Tammy) Anderson of Granite Falls, son Jeff (Susie) Anderson of Marshall, and daughter Susan (Chad) Lerud of Hanley Falls; grandchildren Blake (Hannah), Jacob, Nicholas, Sophie, Olivia, Kolby, Bella, Aubrey, Dylan, Cody, Sydney, and Colten; brother Ken (Ruth Ann) Cordingley, Aberdeen, SD; sister-in-law Mavis Punt, Lakeville; brother-in-law Roy (Janice) Anderson, Montevideo; sister-in-law Verlie (Dan Blank) Alexandria; sister-in-law JoAnn (Walt) Myhre, Watson; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by parents Clair and Hannah Cordingley, and in-laws Alfe and Bessie Anderson.
Mom always comforted and reassured through a gentle hug, flowing tears, and an "It'll be okay!" Forever in our hearts you will be, Mom.
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