Audrey Lee Anderson of Boulder passed away peacefully the morning of February 23 as a brilliant sunrise cast a warm glow upon her home. Born on March 11,1931 in Syracuse, New York, she was the daughter of Dorothy F. Dodd MacAndrews and Aubrey H. MacAndrews. She married Stuart S. Anderson in Boulder on November 27, 1959.
She attended Syracuse University and was a member of Chi Omega sorority. After graduating from Syracuse with a BA degree in geography, she moved from Syracuse to Golden, CO in 1953. This was prompted by her desire to get out on her own to see some of the country. She had heard about Colorado, so she and a girlfriend hopped on a bus and ended up in Denver, staying at the YWCA until they found jobs. Then they moved to an apartment in Golden.
She was employed by the Colorado School of Mines Research Foundation from 1953 until 1958. She was also employed by Climax Molybdenum Co. (AMAX) in Golden from 1959 until 1962. She worked at Leanin' Tree Publishing in Boulder for 17 years.
After moving to Colorado, she took a railroad fan trip and became interested in railroads. She volunteered at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, helping to repaint equipment. A mutual interest in railroads brought Audrey and Stu together. When they both went on a three-day excursion trip sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club, it was the beginning of a true railroad courtship. They enjoyed more excursion trips, on the rails and road, to take photos of old railroad towns, trains and equipment. Stu proposed in style while parked along a railroad siding. Their story was chronicled in Empire Magazine in the Denver Post, entitled “They Found Love by a Railroad Track.” Audrey and Stu celebrated 50 years together before he passed in 2010.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Boulder and Rocky Mountain Railroad Club. Her interests were primarily her family, and she enjoyed antique pressed glass, reading (especially mysteries), music, photography, the natural beauties of life, and working in her yard. Trips on the Durango-Silverton Railroad were a very special part of her life. She tirelessly supported all her daughters’ activities including school concerts, 4-H and county fair, and threw great birthday parties for the girls when they were growing up. She loved feeding the birds and squirrels, and enjoyed watching them outside her window. Her blonde brownies were a favorite at every pot luck, and she herself had a big sweet tooth, especially for ice cream and cake.
She was strong yet gentle in her quiet way. She faced challenges with an inner strength that we all hope to emulate. A very sweet, pleasant, and gracious person, she never complained, but accepted things and moved on. Her love and kindness will be remembered by all.
She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands - Kristin (Patrick Bohan) of Longmont, Karen (Adrian Lakin) of Mead and Linda (Richard Biella) of Boulder, as well as many cousins.
Private burial took place and a remembrance will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in her name.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cristmortuary.com for the Anderson family.
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