Eileen Marie McAndrews Anderson
October 27, 2016
Eileen Marie McAndrews Anderson
Des Moines
Eileen Anderson, 89 of Des Moines, died on Thursday, October 27th at her daughter’s home lovingly surrounded by her family as she left this earthly world to join her son, Peter, in heaven above.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at All Saints Catholic Church of which she was a member. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Catholic Church or Saint Jude Children’s Hospital in her memory.
Eileen may have medically died from heart failure but in our eyes she died from a broken heart once the decision was made to close the Mercy Park Apartments. She dearly missed her independent living style, the numerous social activities and most importantly, the many beloved friends she had made there (Mercy Park Apartments). She called herself a “Mercy Girl” - she was born at Mercy Hospital on March 20, 1927. She had seven children all born at Mercy Hospital. She worked at Mercy Hospital for 27 years, first as a switchboard operator and later in the billing department. She lived a wonderful social life at Mercy Park Apartments for 21 years. She volunteered numerous hours with Mercy Guild. And in her final days, she was under the compassionate care of nurse Jessica Palmer of Mercy Hospice.
She attended Saint John’s Catholic School. She graduated from North High School in 1945. She worked at Northwestern Bell as a telephone operator. She married Peter John Anderson in 1947. She became a stay-at-home mother, raising 7 children and was actively involved in All Saints Mother’s Club as well as the Rosary Society. Later in life she went to work at Mercy Hospital. She loved to travel. She especially enjoyed many cruises and visiting Ireland, the home of her heritage. She also enjoyed getting together for lunch with her North High classmates called the “Forty-Fivers,” and all of the socials with the Red Hat Divas.
Survivors include four daughters, Karen Wentzel (Bill) of Clive, Nancy Webb of Colfax, Annie Gurwell of Des Moines, and Josie Floerchinger (Wayne) of Ankeny, and a daughter-in-law, Laurie Morrissey (Jeff) of Norwalk. Two sons: Knute (Diana) and Al (Lori) both of Des Moines; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Marie McAndrews; her sister, Virginia Lambert; her brothers, Jimmy and Larry; and her beloved son, Peter John.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Rt
04/04/2019
Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the Bible at Revelation 21:4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
Dixie Jeffries
11/03/2016
I was so saddened to learn from my hairdresser on Wednesday that Eileen had died. My deepest sympathy to her family. Eileen was a wonderful lady whom I felt fortunate to know at Mercy Park Apartments.
Becky Booth
11/01/2016
Your mom was one of my employees at Mercy for several years. I had a lot of good times with Eileen at work and outside of work. I wish I would have known before today that she had passed so I could have at least came to her visitation.
Carolyn Woods Palmer 'Rags'
11/01/2016
Alfie and Anderson siblings - there are so many memories I have of being with your family, your mom and your dad. I love your mom so very much. She was one of my '4 moms' while growing up. A favorite memory was riding Hanifens red double decker bus in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade and singing Danny Boy with Eileen, while throwing candy out to the kids. She and my mom are now having the perfect picnic before heading to see a play. I really treasured Eileen. Love and hugs to all of you. -Rags
Anna
10/31/2016
To Eileen's family, please accept my condolences for your loss.
May God comfort you during this
time of sadness. Pray to him for help with your pain. The sweet and loving memories you have
of her will be a part of you forever.
2Corinthians 1:3,4
Chris C
10/31/2016
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. May the God of all comfort strengthen you to cope and endure this difficult time.
Mary (Maria) Comito
10/30/2016
Always loved the Andersons. Lots of fond memories from All Saints! RIP Mrs. Anderson. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Comito
Pam Pertzborn
10/30/2016
To all the Anderson siblings: Your mom was one great lady! I was glad to see her at SRP because then I knew dad would have someone to talk with! Her memory was just awesome! Sending my heartfelt sympathy to all your family. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the services, since I will be with Fr. Harris' tour group, leaving in the morning.
Mary Ann McCoy
10/28/2016
Lori & Al and Family
Eileen was a very special lady and I was so happy we were able to enjoy some happy times at Mercy! She was such a dear.
Pam & Brian Unsen
10/28/2016
Sending our prayers your way. It was a privilege to have met Grandma Anderson. May you cherish the many memories you have of her.
Elma Nicol Rabe
10/28/2016
Sending sympathy and prayers to all the Anderson family for your loss.God Bless.
Mark, Jodi, Keely, & Carly Woods
10/28/2016
We know you're with Inger having a glass of wine. You will truly be missed but never forgotten.
Joyce & Mike Roby
10/28/2016
Sending deepest sympathy to the Anderson family. Hoping all of the memories you hold so dear will keep your mother / grandmother close in your thoughts and in your hearts.
Lynn Marie Richardson
10/28/2016
"Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
~ from a headstone in Ireland
I'm sure my Aunt Eileen's beautiful Irish eyes are smiling down upon us today.
Hodsons
10/28/2016
So very sorry, prayers to all the family