Mitzi Janine Anderson

A true Tampa Girl, Mitzi grew up in Tampa and Lutz. She graduated from Chamberlain High School and received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of South Florida. While in college, Mitzi moved to her family’s orange grove on Lake Thonotosassa and lived in the “Grove House” for many years thereafter. She, her family, and her high school and college friends enjoyed many “covered dish and jam” sessions with guitars (at least 4), violin, flute, voices, and percussion instruments. The Grove House was also where the first of many New Year’s Eve camp-outs occurred. They continued for years after Mitzi built her own house in Thonotosassa just north of the lake.

Mitzi worked behind the counter at the Mango Post Office for more than 30 years. She enjoyed interacting with the customers and built friendships that lasted many years.

Mitzi’s love of travel began when her parents took her and her brother on vacations across the country and in Europe. She continued her travels with her cousins (to Cuba) and her friends (to New Orleans most often, but also to New York City, North Carolina, Oregon, and Mexico). Unfortunately, she will miss a Norway cruise that she had been looking forward to.

Mitzi continued her passion for fine arts and music, not just by attending museums and concerts; she was also artistic in several media, including music, pottery, batik, and fabric creations. She was the preferred baker among her family and friends. Her Red Velvet and Hummingbird Cakes are among the most requested. They, like Mitzi, will be missed at every family and friends’ parties.

Mitzi’s smile, laughter, sense of humor, and kindness are the traits that most of her family and friends will forever miss. Her four-legged buddies will also miss the incredible love and care she gave to them.

Mitzi is predeceased by her parents Mervin and Jackie Burnside Anderson and her brother Mike Anderson. She is survived by her sister-in-law Gabrielle Anderson, her niece Erin Anderson DeLong, her husband Jared DeLong, and their children Liam and Leighton. Mitzi is also survived by her aunt Anna Ruth Burnside, as well as many close cousins of various degrees of relation.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Simon Fund at Harmony Vet Care, https://harmonyvetcare.org/donate/, or to an animal protection organization of your choice.

The family invite Mitzi’s friends to a casual celebration of her life at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 4 – 6 p.m.