Naomi Ruth Anderson

Naomi Ruth Anderson, age 84, of San Diego, California passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Naomi was born in Coalport, Pennsylvania on October 22,1938. She was the eldest girl of eight children to her parents William Roland and Alfretta Henry. This leadership role would carryon throughout her lifetime and help shape her voice as a mother, a teacher and an advocate for children and community.

Naomi grew up in various communities in the Pennsylvania area. She attended and graduated from Pine Township High School in 1956, where she excelled as a student. Her work ethic placed her as a member and officer in the honor society, a student secretary and an assistant editor of the yearbook. She was a stand out in typing and shorthand. She was a friend to everyone. She would often tell the story of a young girl who needed dental treatment and because of this was bullied and had few friends. Naomi befriended her and they remained close throughout high school. She treated people with kindness and respect, and was so very loved for it.

Naomi met Norman Alton Anderson of Blacklick Pennsylvania while she was waitressing at the Knotty Pine Inn. He made her laugh. She was the calm but strong and loving voice of reason in their relationship. She was home for him. They were married on December 22,1956. Together they raised 6 children, Cindy Lee, William James, Eric Norman, Andrew Alton, Elizabeth Grace and Eric Robert. Naomi always said how blessed they were to always be given such love not only by their children, but grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well.

Education was of great importance in Naomi's life. She began her first college course at 47 years old at Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista, California. She would go on to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Diversified Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from United States International University in San Diego, California, as well as a Master of Science degree in Special Education from National University, also in San Diego California. During this time Naomi was a dedicated volunteer and PTA president for Finney Elementary School in San Diego, California. She began working full time for the Chula Vista Elementary School District in 1984, starting as an instructional assistant, a noon and bus duty attendant, a substitute teacher, and finally after receiving her degrees, a moderate to severe special education teacher at Palomar Elementary School in Chula Vista, California.

Naomi thrived in her role as a teacher; advocating for students and parents in a system where they were often times ignored and forgotten. She also was proud to take on a position as a union representative fighting for the rights of her fellow teachers.

She changed the lives of so many students and families, the value of her work was immeasurable. Naomi retired for the second time at age 80, after having gone back into the workforce from her first retirement when she felt her work wasn’t finished yet.

Naomi spent her time after retirement relaxing at home, spending time with family, surrounded by her pets, having princess and tea parties with her grandchildren and imparting invaluable wisdom on her loved ones.

Be patient. Be kind. Love people for who they are on the inside. Everyone makes mistakes. Be forgiving with people, God's not finished with them yet.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Anderson family.