Obituary of Geraldine Anderson

Mrs. Geraldine Anderson, 92, of Canajoharie, NY died peacefully on Saturday, December 26, 2020, at Ellis Hospital after being blessed with a long and wonderful life. Born in Yonkers, NY she was the daughter of the late George and Nora Conley Higgins. 

On June 15, 1947, she was united in marriage to Edward S. W. Anderson; a marriage that has lasted 73 wonderful years. Their marriage began in Westchester County, NY, where they also welcomed the births of their three children. In 1965, they purchased their beloved 100-acre farm in Mapletown, NY and relocated upstate full-time five years later, where they spent the remainder of their lives. 

After moving upstate, Geraldine lived her dream of owning a general store when she opened Anderson’s Village Store in November 1970. For 32 years, she maintained the heart of the village of Ames by running the lunch counter, operating the post office, and turning every customer into a friend. 

An eternal optimist, Geraldine lived her life finding joy in swimming laps in her pool, beating everyone in Jeopardy nightly, and completing word searches. Geraldine & Ed’s combined love for camping took them across the country in their beloved RV, the “Plum Tree'' and filled them with stories of “out west” they fondly retold for years. Their many camping trips around New York State with their grandchildren, however, hold some of their favorite memories. 

Geraldine’s proudest accomplishments included her marriage & family, her store, and obtaining her GED in 1976. A devout Catholic, she was a member of Our Lady of Hope and a former member of St. Peter’s & Paul’s. 

She is survived by her husband, Ed Anderson; three children, Geralyn McDowell, Edward Anderson Jr. and his wife, Kathy and Ryann Young and her husband Rodney; fifteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces & nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also predeceased by her four siblings; her AFS exchange student son, Edgar Campos; and her granddaughter, Maureen Anderson. As Ed & Geraldine are the last surviving members of their combined twelve siblings, she is also predeceased by many beloved in-laws and cousins. 

In addition to her family, Geraldine loved being known as “Gram” to most everyone in her life. She was proud to have everybody - friends of her children and grandchildren, her caregivers, and any soul she could show love to - become her chosen family.  

Geraldine’s family would like to thank Dr. Robert Droege for “keeping her going” and genuinely caring about her & Ed. Additionally, her family has immense gratitude for the in-home caregivers that became part of her life in the last several years, as well as the compassionate care Geraldine received in her final days at Ellis Hospital on floor A6. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately at Our Lady of Hope R.C. Church, 115 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY, presided over by The Rev. Ken Swain. A public graveside service and celebration of life will be held in the spring, where relatives and friends will be welcomed to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, ayresanimalshelter.org, 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lenz & Betz Funeral Home. Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com