Kathryn Madden Anderson
1916-2009

Born in Friday Harbor, Wash., Feb. 29 to Gladys (nee Guard) and Raymond Madden. Kathryn’s birth was followed by sister Florence Prentiss (now deceased), brother James Madden (now deceased) and sister Molly Madden of Friday Harbor.

She went to the Lord July 12, 2009, in her home surrounded by family.

A fiercely loyal Husky, Kathryn attended the University of Washington where she met dashing NROTC candidate Thomas W. Anderson of Tacoma, Wash. They were married from March 1938 until his passing in January 2000.

They began their marriage in Seattle but were soon off to Norway where Tom worked for the Norwegian government as a civil engineer, leaving Norway shortly before Hitler’s invasion. After Tom’s Navy service during World War II, the family returned to Tacoma.

Tom and Kay were the loves of each other’s lives and were blessed with three sons and their families who survive them: Tom and his wife, Juli, with their children, Erin, Chris and Douglas Anderson; Jim and his wife, Mimi, with their children, Ashley and John Anderson, Brian Howe and his wife Andi, and Julianne Howe; and Steve with his children Stephanie and her husband Josh Anderson, and Bruce and Alexis Anderson. Seven great-grandchildren joined the family.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Anderson, and many Madden, Prentiss, Anderson and Eddy nieces, nephews and their families. Kathryn was the biggest, best supporter for each of us, making each of us feel most loved.

Always active in the community, Kathryn rose to top leadership positions in any organization she joined including The Tacoma Art Museum, Charles Wright Academy, Tacoma Garden Club, Aloha Club to name a few. She and Tom always supported each other’s professional and community roles. Kathryn and Tom were members of and regularly attended University Place Presbyterian Church until their health declined.

She faced each challenge determined to find the solution and make it happen. She was wise, kind, loving, compassionate and true to her friends treating everyone with grace, dignity and respect.

According to her wishes, there will be no services but Tom and Kay’s ashes will be placed together as they planned. Although Kathryn loved flowers, she was a tireless fund-raiser for many organizations. Please consider memorial gifts to Tom and Kathryn Anderson Scholarship Fund at Pacific Lutheran University, Native Garden Endowment Fund with Tacoma Garden Club, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and Franciscan Hospice.

Our family is especially grateful to Esther Githinji, Purity Wakaba, Josephine Mburugu, Evelyn Fernando and many others for their kind, loving and gentle help with Kathryn over several years. Thank you very much, ladies.

— Family of Kathryn Madden Anderson