Violet E. Anderson

Violet Evelyn Nasman was born June 11, 1922 in Lents, east Portland to John and Hannah Nasman Swedish immigrants. She was the fourth child for the family, joining brothers John, Edwin, and sister Eloise. In 1925, her father built a new home for the family on north Fenwick Avenue. It was a comfortable home for their large family. Violet attended Oakley Green Elementary School and was there she discovered she had a very natural soprano voice. She sand in the school choir and was a soloist on many occasions. She attended Jefferson High School where she continued to sing in the Jefferson Senior Choir for four years. She graduated in January 1942 it was during her Jr year that she met Harold Andersen during a Lincoln-Jefferson football game. They soon became a steady couple, and became engaged and were married on September 16, 1942.

Violet studied voice for a number of years. She sang for many civic functions, and was guest soloist for the Apollo Club on several occasions. She was a member of the early morning quartet at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Violet was also a soloist for the Lents Chapel of the Chimes for a number of years. Violet and Harold also sang together for many programs and private functions.

In 1954 their first Child was born, Brian Lynn Andersen soon to be followed by Loralee Andersen and Stern Andersen. Violet was a very devoted mother, and homemaker. She served as room mother at Cherry Park School, as well as being an active PTA member.

During WWII she worked in the payroll Department at Albina Engines and Machine, while her husband Harold served with Patton’s Third Army in Europe. After the war she continued to study voice singing in church as well as at many functions including weddings.

In 1956 she and Harold purchased a home in Cherry Park and have lived there since that time. September 16, 2012 she and Harold celebrated their 70th Anniversary. Violet was an avid reader and did so routinely until her early 80’s when she lost considerable eyesight due to macular degeneration. Violet loved her family dearly and she was supportive and devoted to them, she was a loving with and mother. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Survivors include her sons Brian (Kathy) and son Steven Andersen, daughter Loralee (Peter) DeWilde, and grandchildren, Sean and Kaycee Andersen, and their companions Carter and Kim. Great Grandchildren Mya, Nathaniel, Aubree, Anika, and Paige.