Rita Anderson Obituary

Rita E. Anderson

Rita E. Anderson, 102, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at St. Francis Home.

Rita was born Nov. 12, 1920, in London, England, to Frederick and Lillian (Iverson) Stacey. She married Joseph B. Anderson on Oct. 21, 1944, in Bedford, England, and he preceded her in death Sept. 17, 2001.

Rita's survivors include her sons, Paul (Karen) Anderson of Carlisle and Joseph (Diane) Anderson of Republic; daughter-in-law, Sandy Anderson of Tiffin; sister-in-law, Wendy Stacey of Charlwood, Surrey, England; grandchildren, Becky (Joe) Dandurand, Mike (Billie Sue) Anderson, Eric (Jessica) Anderson, Carly Anderson, and Corey Rhodes; and three great-grandchildren, Sophia Dandurand, Joseph Dandurand, and Eli Anderson.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Keith Anderson; brother, Roy Stacey; and sister, Joyce Saunders.

Rita was just 19 years old and serving an apprenticeship in a clothing store in London in the Millinery Department when World War II broke out. She was under the woman's call-up and was sent away to a barrack and then put to work in The Canteen. Rita also was trained to put out the Incenary bombs that caused fires and eventually was sent to work in offices near her home. Joe was sent back to the U.S in Oct., 1945, and Rita came to the United States with her oldest son, Keith, on May 10, 1946, and lived with her in-laws until May, 1947. Rita said "some good came out of the War, because she met her husband in England and shared 57 years together." In 1949, Rita and Joe moved to their home on Hall Street.

Rita was a devoted member of the Church of England and enjoyed gardening, going for long walks, spending time with her family, and caring for her dog, Freddy.

Rita's funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio, 44883, 419-447-2424, with the Rev. Michael Dandurand officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation for friends and family will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice by Stein or Humane Society of Seneca County.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.