Obituary of Jane Anderson

Jane Margaret Brady Anderson, born in Minneapolis, MN, aged 84, died peacefully at Swedish Hospital in Issaquah, WA, on October 12, 2023, following complications from pneumonia after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Jane was born in Minneapolis, MN, on June 8, 1939, the youngest of four children of Veronica (McErlane) Brady and Paul Brady. She attended the University of Minnesota and received her bachelor’s degree in 1970. Jane married Judson Anderson, Jr., in 1966 and gave birth to daughters Megan in 1969 and Shauna in 1971.

At age 39, Jane survived a stroke and, after recovering, became deeply interested in working with disabled individuals and older adults. Jane enrolled again at the University of Minnesota and received her LCSW and a Certificate in Aging Studies in 1982. Her career focused on helping others, safeguarding vulnerable communities, and advocating for older adults and their families. Jane volunteered with many organizations, including Minnesota State Services for the Blind, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, United Way, and First Christian Residence.

After her divorce, Jane found community with her sisters, her network of stroke survivors, and many dear friends including Linda Kelley and Desiree (Deedee) Mulner. As deeply as she loved her career, Jane was thrilled to retire and spent her time reading, exploring her Irish ancestry, working on crossword puzzles, and playing Scrabble. With four grandchildren born within four years, Jane enjoyed visiting with the babies and spending time with her daughters' families. 

In her 60s, Jane struggled with memory issues and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her daughter Megan brought Jane to Washington State for the full-time care she required. In Jane’s final years, she was well cared for and spent much of her time with the Goetz family and especially enjoyed attending Cedarcreek Covenant Church in Maple Valley.

Jane is survived by her two daughters, Megan Goetz (Mark) and Shauna Anderson (Chris Cox); her sister, Sarah Shaw; nieces and nephews Tib Shaw, Tym Shaw, Susan Foster, Julia Foster Copeland, Lise Brady Silk, Mark Silk, Paul Silk; and her four grandchildren, Jules and Grace Goetz and Kyren and Molly Anderson. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Nora McNiff and Katherine Hale, and her parents, Veronica and Paul Brady.

Her life will be celebrated Thursday, December 21, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota in Edina, MN. Memorial donations may be given to Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute or the Alzheimer's Association.