Virginia L. Anderson

Mrs. Anderson was born on July 29, 1917 in Rock Island, Illinois, the daughter of Louise and Edward E. Nicholas, Sr. She moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1935 and attended Milwaukee State Teachers College. She later attended Augustana College where she was affiliated with Chi Omega Gamma Sorority.

She married Mr. Harold A. Anderson, of Moline, Illinois, in 1940 and relocated to Jacksonville, Illinois where her husband was manager of the Sears Roebuck & Co. store. Mr. Anderson died in 1977. While in Jacksonville, Mrs. Anderson was active in civic affairs and served as president of the P.T.A. She enjoyed attending her children’s sports and dance activities. She also enjoyed music, having played piano during her formative years.

Mrs. Anderson returned to Rock Island in 1968. She was employed as supervisor of the Sales Audit Department of Peterson Harned Von Maur in Davenport until her retirement in 1991, after being diagnosed with macular degeneration. She stayed active with the Illini Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, baking, and listening to books on tape. Her final years were at the Fort Armstrong Senior Residence where she continued to listen to her books.

She was preceded in death by her brother, E. E. Nicholas, Jr. in 1997 and a son, Michael Anderson, Sr. in 2007. She is survived by two sons, Christian (Diane) of Chicago; Stephen (Rowen Schussheim) of Davenport; two daughters, Deborah B. Earp (Mick) of Jacksonville, IL; Victoria Anderson-Nickell (Larry) of Rock Island, a daughter-in-law Connie, eight grandchildren, Char, Michael, Brandye, Krissy, Matthew, Bradley, Sydney and Eric, and three great grandchildren.

The family is most appreciative of the kindness, care and support Virginia was given by the entire staff, including the nurses, aides, and housekeepers at the Fort Armstrong Senior Residence, as well as in her final days at St. Anthony’s Continuing Care Center.

A gathering in memory of Virginia’s life will be held Saturday, November 26th from 2:00-3:30 pm in the auditorium of St. Anthony’s Continuing Care Center at 767 30th Street, Rock Island, Illinois.