Dannie Laura Anderson

Born on November 8, 1944, to Dan and Florene McDonald, Dannie lived a life full of adventure, compassion, and deep connections.

She is survived by her brother, David McDonald; her beloved children, Kevin Welsh and Laura Dominic; her cherished grandchildren, Mia Dominic and Aidan Dominic; and her niece and nephew, Kate and Daniel McDonald.

Dannie’s early years took her from Texas to Canada with her family. After high school, she briefly attended UC Boulder before returning to Canada, where she met her first husband, Allan Welsh. Together, they built a loving family, adopting Kevin and Laura. In 1976, the Welsh family moved to California. After Al and Dannie separated, Dannie pursued her passion for nursing, earning her BSN from St. Mary’s School of Nursing. She dedicated her career to hospice and home health care, providing comfort and care to those in their most vulnerable moments.

In 1988, Dannie met and married Jim Anderson, and it was during this chapter of her life that her love for travel flourished. She embraced the world with open arms—floating in hot air balloons over France, snowmobiling through Wyoming, and cruising the waters of Hawaii, South America, and Alaska.

After Jim’s untimely passing, Dannie moved to Camas, Washington, to be closer to her children in Oregon. She found a great community in Washington and enjoyed attending newcomer’s events, “lunching with the ladies,” re-learning to play bridge, and attempting to learn Mahjong. She also remained deeply committed to helping others navigate grief and loss. She volunteered tirelessly with Survivors of Suicide, TIPS, No One Dies Alone, and multiple hospice and home care organizations, offering solace and support to those in need.

Her zest for travel only grew stronger with time. Nothing could slow her down (those who knew her well knew she had a stubborn streak). She sought new adventures with good friends, exploring Nova Scotia, Peru, Ecuador, the Rhine River, the Galapagos, and Antarctica.

In recent years, she found companionship with Derrell, and together, they journeyed from Paris to Normandy and cruised the Panama Canal. They were planning their next destinations—the Arctic and Italy.

Dannie had more to give, more to see, and more to share. Though her journey in this world has ended, her spirit will continue to sail freely. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and “all her babies, big and small.”

A large gathering of family and friends for Dannie's Celebration of Life will take place in the near future and be announced as details become available.

A small graveside service for immediate family will be held Monday, March 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary & Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR 97225.