Tonya Kay Anderson

May 31, 1953 – June 13, 2025

Tonya Anderson, a devoted neonatology nurse, educator, and tireless advocate for families and their most vulnerable newborns, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was 72. Tonya was a faithful Christian and had attended Ninth & O Baptist Church where she formed lasting friendships with a very special group of friends.

Tonya’s career was a testament to compassion in action. For over three decades, she worked in the neonatal intensive care unit at Norton Children’s Hospital, offering not only her clinical expertise but also her calm kindness and deep empathy to infants born into the most fragile circumstances. Her passion centered on caring for substance-exposed newborns—infants who faced withdrawal, complications, and an uphill journey from their very first breaths.

Beyond the monitors and incubators, Tonya was a gifted teacher. She pioneered research and infant massage programs, provided guidance to pregnant and parenting teens while understanding the power of touch in fostering attachment, soothing symptoms, and nurturing both infant development and parental confidence. With gentle hands and a warm heart, she taught countless parents to comfort their babies, transforming fear into love.

Tonya believed healing was not just medical—it was emotional, relational, and deeply human. She offered parents nonjudgmental support and helped them feel capable and essential in their baby’s care. Her calm presence reminded families that hope could be found even in the most difficult beginnings.

Her colleagues remember her as a steady, compassionate force—a mentor, listener, and fierce protector of the smallest patients. She brought light to the NICU not only through her skill, but through her humor, resilience, and refusal to let any baby or parent feel forgotten.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the parents she empowered, and the infants who grew stronger in her care.

She also had a deep love for music. A talented pianist with a natural gift, Tonya’s playing brought peace and beauty to those around her. She also quietly collected donations year-round for local homeless populations, always seeking ways to extend care beyond the hospital walls.

Tonya is survived by her three children: Alexius Gallagher (Shawn), Stacy Anderson (Bruce), and Holli Anderson; her sisters, Verna Short and Brenda Black; her brother, Vernon Short Jr. (Marie); and many niece’s and nephews.

Tonya is preceded in death by her loving parents, Karen and Vernon Short Sr.; and the love of her life, Jimmy Hyde.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations and families affected by ALS, Home of the Innocents, Hip Hop Cares, infant massage programs and organizations supporting families affected by substance abuse.

A celebration of Tonya’s life will be held on June 19, 2025, at Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home on Westport Road. Visitation from 10am-1:30pm. Funeral Service at 1:30pm with burial following at Evergreen Cemetery. All who were touched by her care and kindness are welcome.

“Every baby deserves to feel safe, loved, and held.”

Tonya Anderson lived those words every day.