Dona Wool Anderson

Dona Wool Anderson, 82, of Johns Creek died May 6, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester James “Andy” Anderson, Jr. and is survived by her daughter, Kathy Anderson Courchene; sons, Christopher T. Anderson, Thomas J. Anderson; 7 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; sister, Beverly Caldwell; and brother, John Wool. Dona was born in South Williamsport, PA and also lived in Montoursville, PA until the time of her marriage to Andy. Dona and Andy lived for many years in Westerville, OH, where they raised their children and took an active part in the life of the community. In addition to several other volunteer commitments, Dona was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where she gave much of her time to the activities of the parish and its school. She was also very involved with the Seal of Ohio Girl Scout Council, where she served as a troop leader, a council board member, and as adult advisor to high school-age Girl Scouts who were earning the Marian Award (the Catholic religious award for girls). Dona was awarded the St. Anne Medal for working with these girls. She was also awarded The Girl Scout Thanks Badge – the highest award given to an adult volunteer for service to the Girl Scouts. In 1982, Dona and Andy moved to metro Atlanta, GA. She transferred her experience in Girl Scouting to the Northwest Georgia Girl Scout Council (now the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta) and the Northwest Georgia Trefoil Guild, an organization for “retired” Girl Scout adult volunteers and staff. Dona also continued in her role as an active parish member and Eucharistic Minister at All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, GA. In the mid-1980s, Andy had started a social group for the retirees of Rockwell International’s Missile Systems Division in the metro Atlanta area. Even after her husband’s death, Dona had continued to participate in the activities of that group. Dona served for many years as a member of the inter-denominational board of Villa International Atlanta, supporting fundraising efforts and the practical work of the program.

Another major activity to which Dona gave much of her time and talent was in the legislative work of the AACCW, a local branch of the National Council of Catholic Women. In her spare time, Dona enjoyed quilting with a group of friends calling themselves “The Bag Ladies,” keeping in touch with friends from many places and from many periods of time in her life, and spending time with her family. And through it all, she loved to laugh and find the fun in as many things as possible. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Villa International Atlanta or Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, May 11, 2012 at 11 o’clock at All Saints Catholic Church with The Rev. Daniel J. McCormick as the Celebrant. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, (404) 851-9900.