Obituary for Shirley Ann Anderson (Ketchan)
ANDERSON, Shirley Ann (nee Ketcham) – 91, of Franklin Lakes passed away on September 4, 2019. Born in San Diego, California she moved to Franklin Lakes 54 years ago. Prior to her retirement in 1990 she was a teacher at the Brookside Junior High School in Allendale where she taught 7th grade science.
As lifelong Rhododendron enthusiasts, Shirley and Allan together designed and executed an ambitious hybridization program that resulted in over 20 registered crosses. They were presented with the 2012 Silver Medal Award by the American Rhododendron Society in recognition of their contributions to the society including their willingness to hold office, donate plants and seeds, lecture, publish articles and open their beautiful garden to tours.
Shirley was an avid quilter and talented potter. She was a gifted seamstress, making a huge variety of clothing including the enormous accomplishment of making her two daughters’ wedding dresses. Shirley lived a full life and traveled all over the world, including Africa, the Amazon, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia among many other countries.
Beloved wife of Allan Anderson of Franklin Lakes. Devoted mother of Susan Anderson of Los Angeles, California, Rosalyn Young and her husband Kenneth of River Vale and Nancy Green and her husband Ross of Wilmette, Illinois. Loving grandmother of Amanda Young, Kelsey Young and Elspeth Green.
Dear sister of Elizabeth Rothert of California.
The family will receive family and friends on Thursday, September 12, 2019 from (times) followed by a (time) service at Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home, 530 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes.
The family requests donations be made in Shirley’s memory to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.
As lifelong Rhododendron enthusiasts, Shirley and Allan together designed and executed an ambitious hybridization program that resulted in over 20 registered crosses. They were presented with the 2012 Silver Medal Award by the American Rhododendron Society in recognition of their contributions to the society including their willingness to hold office, donate plants and seeds, lecture, publish articles and open their beautiful garden to tours.
Shirley was an avid quilter and talented potter. She was a gifted seamstress, making a huge variety of clothing including the enormous accomplishment of making her two daughters’ wedding dresses. Shirley lived a full life and traveled all over the world, including Africa, the Amazon, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia among many other countries.
Beloved wife of Allan Anderson of Franklin Lakes. Devoted mother of Susan Anderson of Los Angeles, California, Rosalyn Young and her husband Kenneth of River Vale and Nancy Green and her husband Ross of Wilmette, Illinois. Loving grandmother of Amanda Young, Kelsey Young and Elspeth Green.
Dear sister of Elizabeth Rothert of California.
The family will receive family and friends on Thursday, September 12, 2019 from (times) followed by a (time) service at Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home, 530 High Mountain Road, Franklin Lakes.
The family requests donations be made in Shirley’s memory to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.