1914
2013
Doris Louise Gardner Anderson, 98
Falmouth - A beautiful, loving, and generous life on this earth ended January 7, 2013 with the passing of Doris Louise Gardner Anderson, 98 years after she was born to Harry and Inga Iverson Gardner in Minneapolis, MN. Her life was devoted to supporting her husband Clifford, who passed in 2006, and her family and friends. Loved by all who grew to know her, she was gentle, kind, and selfless. Among her favorite sayings, to the end, was "a clear conscience makes a soft pillow", no doubt explaining why she, always the one to avoid conflict or hurt feelings, never failed to have a good night's sleep.
Early in her 66 years of marriage she endured the heavy demands of caring for her second son Terry Clifford during his brief 18-month life with severe cerebral palsy. As the wife of an FBI Special Agent she accepted the requisite transfer from her beloved Minnesota to establish new homes in El Paso and then Cincinnati. While raising her family, she was active in scouting and school parent support activities. Upon retirement she and Clifford returned to Minnesota to enjoy the company of family and friends during the summers and then new friends in Clearwater, Florida, for 33 winters. Relocating in 2000 to the Ocean View Retirement Community in Falmouth to be closer to family, they built new Maine friendships and church ties. She was an excellent seamstress and cook. Besides church, her other life passions included gardening, baking, knitting, and exercise. Residing in recent years in assisted living, she enthusiastically participated in social activities such as the "Wisdom Teas" where she interacted warmly with elementary school students brought faithfully to Falmouth House by Holly MacEwan. She and fellow Naughty Knitters completed numerous afghans for Ronald McDonald House and other charities. She walked a mile nearly every early morning until age 97.
She was predeceased by her son Terry Clifford, her husband Clifford, and brothers Rolland and Kenneth Gardner. She was a wonderful and beloved mother to her son Larry Anderson and his wife Janie Nast Anderson in Falmouth and her daughter Shari Anderson Karkowski and her husband Richard in Greenfield, IN, grandmother to six, great-grandmother to ten, and aunt to several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the Falmouth Congregational Church at 11 am on Saturday, January 12, followed by a reception. A burial service will be held for her and Clifford at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis in May. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Doris' life and to share your condolences, memories and tributes with her family.
The Anderson and Karkowski families express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Falmouth House and Hospice of Southern Maine for their good care of her in recent years and at her end of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Falmouth Congregational Church Memorial Fund (267 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105); Easter Seals (125 Presumpscot Street Portland, ME 04103); American Parkinson Disease Association (135 Parkinson Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305) or Hospice of Southern Maine (180 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 20, 2013
Cindy Howell
Aunt Doris touched my life in so many ways. I have many wonderful memories of her. I feel truly blessed to have been part of her fabulous life. Her bright, loving spirit will live on forever in my heart.
January 16, 2013
Susan Flannigan
As I viewed the pictures depicting the beautiful life of Aunt Doris,I was filled with so many emotions;sadness at having lost the earthly presence of her and the many who have gone before us, but gratefulness for being blessed with having them in our lives and hope for the reassurance we will all be reunited someday.
January 15, 2013
Vicki Mickelson
AUNT DORIS
Anna Maria Island
A sanctuary of peace and calm
Aunt Doris relished
Her spirit is here
in the gently blowing palm fronds
the intense sun kissing aquamarine gulf waters
the gliding expertise of the giddy dolphins
the graceful descent of the pelicans dipping for their prey
the vibrant ruby hibiscus adorning the landscape
in eloquent peacocks strutting their confidence squawking "remember me"
Her spirit remains in
the annual birthday cards of remembrance
the evolution of her words of encouragement
her fashion-forward cigar purse
and her embroidered artistry
in the conch shell washed upon shore at high tide
in the seagull snatching a PB&J sandwich from
an unsuspecting Minnesota tourist
Her spirit dwells in my heart
And in the rapid sunset splashing methodically
Until its final beam of light is diminished
Her Spirit Lives!
January 12, 2013
Doris and Cliff lived next door to my parents, Lillian and Clarence Wennberg in Minneapolis. I remember that Doris made doll clothes for all my dolls. My parents would see Doris and Cliff when they came home each summer and the last time I saw Doris was when she invited my mom and I over for lunch after my dad died. (1982) Wonderful fond memories of Cliff's stories from FBI. Hope Larry and Shari remember the Wennberg family. Kathy Wennberg Johnson, Milaca Minnesota
January 12, 2013
I have fond memories of your Mother and Grandmother. This Christmas I remembered Doris when I came across a recipe she had shared with my Mother, Laurine Stanchfield. Doris was a very dear kind friend to my parents. After retirement your parents and mine often got together for coffee. I also remember your parents walking past my home on their early morning walks. How amazing that Doris continued going on mile walks until she was ninety-seven. My sincere condolences to you on the loss of your beloved Mother and Grandmother. She was a special person.
Janyce Stanchfiel Israelson
January 11, 2013
The family of Aunt Doris . . . Our hearts both grieve and rejoice with you. Grieve over the loss of a precious person and rejoice that she is free of bodily limitations, living forever in heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ. We each share special memories and give thanks to God for a life beautifully lived. Our prayers are with you as you gather on Saturday to remember her life. May you find comfort and hope through faith in Jesus Christ. Jim & Arlys Persson
January 9, 2013
Becky Wiggins
I have memories too numerous to mention. Our summer vacations in northern Minnesota, family picnics, luncheons, etc. What a wonderful and loving aunt she was. Always interested in what was going on in my life. She will be remembered with love.
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