Georgena "Gigi" Ethel Anderson

Georgena Ethel (Toole) Anderson, known to her friends and family as "Gigi", was born June 30th, 1925 in Casper, Wyoming. Gigi left this life on June 5th, 2024 at age 98. She was preceded in death by her father, Louis Bryan Toole; her mother Lucy Mae Mathewson Toole; a brother, Deloss Lawrence Toole; a daughter, Debra Sue; and step-daughter Joyce. She is survived by a son, James and wife (Joanie) and two grandchildren: Jessica and husband (John), and Gregory and wife Erin and 5 great-grandchildren. She leaves two step-children: Jene Anderson and James Anderson II and wife (Esther): three step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

Gigi grew up in North Platte, Nebraska. After winning a talent contest in fourth grade, it was decided that she should take dancing lessons. She was first an acrobatic dancer and then added all types of dancing. From age nine she performed with the Bille Lee Snyder Dance Studio through grade school. In high school her interests were in dramatics (plays and readings), Marjorette for four years with the high school marching band, and tap dancing for school functions and community affairs. She graduated high school as salutitarian, earning a scholarship and as a member of the National Honor Society. She was voted senior prom princess by her classmates.

After graduation she worked at three jobs: cashier in the Fox and Paramount Theatres, clerk in a bakery and taught tap and baton twirling to earn money for her admission to Stephens College for Girls in Columbia, Missouri. She was elected to become a member of their acclaimed Orchesis Dance Group and to perform in their annual productions.

After World War II, Gigi married and opened her first dance studio. In the next ten years she would produce three dance recitals which were performed on the Fox Theatre stage between movies by her many students. Gigi was a member of dance masters of California and annually attended their conventions in Hollywood, CA. She accepted an offer by the then president, to manage and teach for one of his Studio of the Stars in Westchester, CA. Gigi closed her studio and they moved to Gardena, CA with their newly adopted daughter, Debra Sue. Debbie was three years old when son, James, was born. Gigi enjoyed her position with the Charley Baker Studios. Several years later they moved to Phoenix, AZ upon transfer of her husband's job.

She was divorced after twenty years of marriage. On July 4th, 1989 she married Lewis (Andy) Anderson and the family returned to California to live in Chatsworth where they purchased a condo. The president of the Rockpointe Homeowners Association asked Gigi if she would accept a position working in the HOA office. She accepted and worked as Administrative Secretary for fifteen years.

The children graduated and left home to start their lives. Jim married Joanie, they had two children after Jim completed pharmacy school. Debbie moved to Washington State. The nest was empty in 1989, they retired to move to Sun Lakes. They enjoyed their retirement life while doing much traveling and Gigi would dance again. She dance first with the Sun Lakes Dance Company. She had always performed as a solo dancer and now she would enjoys dancing with a group.

Since 1996 she instructed, choreographed and performed with her flashbacks (approx. 17 years). The group performed in Sun Lakes and the Phoenix area for various organizations. Rest homes, state parties and private parties to name a few.

At the age of 53, three days before Christmas, Gigi's daughter passed away. It would be five years later, two days before Christmas, that Andy passed away after a bout with cancer.