Lenore Anderson

Lenore Ann Anderson passed away in the warmth of her daughter's arms and the guiding light of the family she loved on Monday, July 2, 2007 at Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, MN. She was 93 years old, but if you were to ask anyone who knew her, they would tell you they didn't believe it. Her sharpness of wit, brightness of mind and her boundless spirit defied her years.



Lenore was born to be a nurturer to those in her life. Lenore Ann Anderson was the daughter of Andrew and Amanda (Cin) Anderson, and entered the world on January 17, 1914 in Pepperton Township in Stevens County, Minnesota. She was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church in Donnelly on November 22, 1914. She was confirmed at St. John's on June 11, 1937. As the oldest girl in a family of nine children, she started to worry, help and give her whole heart to caring very early in life.



Lenore always seemed to be at work. Whether it was as a housekeeper in Minneapolis, endlessly picking eggs, or plucking turkeys to make extra money, she never seemed to stop moving. However, it was the farm that always called her home. Proving that good things come in small packages, her tiny body would carry her through work long into the night making meals, running for parts, just making sure that everyone (except for her) was taken care of. Her nieces and nephews would look forward to the summer months when they could go to "Norrie's Summer Camp". The long days on the farm would be filled with tables full of food, endless feasts filled with stories and laughter, a display of love that nothing could surpass.



Long before there was a Food Network, Lenore was famous for her tangy pickles, her sweet relish and her flawless rosettes. They were as light as an angel's breath, almost seaming to float on their way to delighted family and friends each Christmas. While other Grandmas pass along their antiques or jewelry, Lenore's treasure was her talent. She made sure that her Granddaughter knew all of her recipes from each pinch of salt to her subtle secret extra additions that gave each dish its' own personality. And while her daughter still struggles with needle and thread, she mastered Lenore's gravy technique, a lumpless masterpiece that would put even Wolfgang Puck to shame.



If busy hands make for a light heart, it is no wonder she gave such joy. Even her quiet hours were filled with activity. She stitched and sewed curtains, doll clothes and even transformed old coats into new works of art. She could mend anything, from fixing a bad hem to fixing a broken heart over the phone. Lenore was always there, always only a phone call away. And it is that soft even voice, so filled with wisdom that cannot be replaced. Even when arthritis claimed some of her abilities, the cards (with the perfect penmanship) would still keep coming. Her petite body stood tall whenever she could help her family.



Lenore's generous heart extended well beyond her lucky family members. No matter how tight money might be, she always found a way to tuck away "a little something just to help". Lenore was always supporting some worthy cause; whether it was an honorary member of the First Lutheran Church service staff or as part of the VFW Auxiliary, she was always giving to others.



She still lives through her family, who will be eternally grateful for her gifts of love and care, a great bounty that has shaped all of their lives in unique ways. That family includes: one daughter--her best friend and joy in life, Pat (Gary) Smith of Herman; three grandchildren for which there is no room in heaven large enough to hold her pride--Shannon Smith of St. Petersburg, FL, Chad Smith of Herman and Ryan (Angie) Smith of Herman; Her loving sister-- Eleanore (Louie) Pochardt of Morris; ten nephews and ten nieces--all of whom looked forward to her cards and letters, a reminder of her boundless heart-- Bob Pochardt, Jack Pochardt, Don Pochardt, Kenny Kellen, Tom Anderson, Dick Anderson, Eugene Anderson, Ronnie Anderson, Lloyd Anderson, John Anderson, Debbie Hanson, JoAnn Mathine, Jeri Frederick, Paulette Lighthizer, Pamela Schodean, Vicky Oxborough, Connie Muller, Janet Lawson, Sherry Anderson and Susan Nelson. Her extended family included her "great-grand-puppies" whose unconditional love (and kisses) only matched her own: Chloe, Shadow and Pepper.



For the grandchildren, nieces and nephews who may not have had the chance to know her siblings who preceded her in death, she kept heir memory alive with lively stories and pictures, her mind an encyclopedia of memorable anecdotes. They include: her parents; six brothers: Arthur, Gene, John, Manly, Raymond and James; one sister: Leverne Kellen and one nephew: Craig Anderson.



If she were reading this now, she would be self-conscious about the "fuss" over her life and the concern and support of every heart that she touched. However, we gather to celebrate her ceaseless spirit and her eternally positive grace in thanks and praise for the legacy she leaves behind.



Pallbearers for the service are: Dennis Stahn, Paul Nelson, Jack Kopacek, John Kopacek, Richard Olson, Don Sperr, Adam Sperr and Herb Nelson. Honorary pallbearers are all who loved her. Deb Mahoney will serve as organist for the service with Tom Horning and Peggy Corey serving as soloists. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.



Long time residents of Morris and Donnelly will remember Lenore's luminous blue eyes, her easy and ready smile and her faithful yellow pick-up carrying precious cargo of grandchildren, groceries and good-will wherever she went. Now by God's grace, he transports our most precious gift, our little Lenore (Norrie) back home. Perhaps now, she can finally get some rest.