Edna Anderson

EDNA C. ANDERSON, age 97, of Batavia, passed away peacefully to claim the promise of her Savior on Thursday evening, July 26, 2012 at Rosewood Care Center, St. Charles, where she had recently made her home. She was born on the Freeland family farm in Virgil Township on January 19, 1915, the daughter of Harry J.L. and Mattie Christine (Nelson) Freeland. Edna grew up in rural Maple Park and attended McMahon School, a one room school house, on Beith Rd. Edna singled out Gunnar D. Anderson from across the crowed dance floor of Long’s Barn. A friendship grew into something more and before you knew it, they danced together as husband and wife on the day of their wedding on May 23, 1936 at the Geneva Lutheran Church Parsonage. They began their new life together on the Downing and Beith farms in Elburn. Following Gunnar’s passing in 1960, Edna moved to Batavia, most recently making her home at Rosewood Care Center in St. Charles.Edna began working as a housekeeper in Elburn for a time. In later years, after m oving to Batavia, she was employed by Shuman Label Company, PET Tool, and Furnas Electric before her retirement at the age of 72. Her resume did not however list her most important and beloved job, that of mother, wife and homemaker, which for her, had no retirement age. Edna was a member of the Batavia Park District Senior Group and active in their walking groups. She was a former member of the Batavia Women of the Moose.Edna was a master baker, making delicious mouth-watering cookies, cakes and was especially known for her peach and cherry pies that graced the table every birthday and holiday. When it came to Christmas, there was no one who decorated with more cheer than Edna. In addition to her baking exploits, her garden got a "blue ribbon" for the bounty she harvested each season. In later years vegetable harvests turned into bouquets filled with brilliant and vibrant flowers. She had a lifelong passion for bowling starting with her involvement with the Furnas Electric Women’s League. Knocking down pins with friends stayed with her over the years as she bowled with the North Aurora Wise Owls, a senior bowling group, until she was 92. She is survived by three children:Judy (Ron) Johnson of Elburn, Byron (Sue) Anderson of Batavia andSheila (William) Van Buskirk of Big Rock;One daughter-in-law, Bernice Anderson of Elburn;7 grandchildren:Curt (Susan) Anderson of Elburn, Craig (Suzanne) Anderson and their children, Nick, and Neil of Sycamore, Kent (Tammy) Anderson of Cortland, Jeff (Bridget) Johnson and their children, Brooks, Brady and Dylan of Elburn, Mindy (Bryan) Bachmann and their children, Maggie and Ella of Peoria, Mark Anderson and his children, Bailey and Bodi of Aurora and Sarah Van Buskirk of Big Rock;Two sisters, many nieces, nephews and a countryside of friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gunnar, one son Howard Anderson, a grandson, Keith Anderson, three brothers and one sister. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A funeral service to celebrate her life will follow visitation at 11 a.m.. Interment will follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name to benefit her favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Edna Anderson Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A funeral service to celebrate her life will follow visitation at 11 a.m.. Interment will follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn.