Mary C. Anderson

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Mary Anderson made the most of each day while holding the ones she loved close to her heart. She had a warm disposition and could always find the positive in any situation with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. There was no greater gift in Mary’s life than her family, and she was so proud to witness her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored. Deeply loved, Mary will be forever missed.

The 1950s were a time unlike any other in American history. Our cultural fabric was colored by names like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe, and when Elvis Presley took the music world by storm with his rock ’n roll music the industry was forever changed. It was just as this decade was dawning that Jerome and Mary (Novak) Thielen were filled with great joy as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Mary Catherine on June 9, 1950, in Racine, Wisconsin. She was the sixth of nine children and the first girl as she was joined in her family by her siblings, Daniel, Richard, Jerome, Lawrence, Nicholas, Nancy, Patricia, and Joseph. In many ways, Mary was a typical young girl of her generation. She attended local schools and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1968.

Life was forever changed for Mary when she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Thomas L. Anderson, and it didn’t take them long to fall in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Mary and Thomas were married on July 25, 1975. Mary forever viewed the day she got married to be one of the best days of her life. Over the years Mary and Thomas were such an inspiration as it was uncommon to see an interracial couple years ago. Together they also welcomed four children including Thomas L., Roy, Nicole, and Melissa into their hearts and home. In addition to her wedding day, the days that each of her children were born Mary also considered to be the best days of her life. Some of their most priceless memories made as a family were when they took family vacations including those to Indiana Beach. It was also a family tradition that everyone made sure they attended when they gathered together to celebrate birthdays. This was especially the case once grandchildren began arriving. Mary lived to spoil her grandchildren and made it her mission to be the best grandmother possible. Although Mary and Thomas faced trials at times, they always remained happy together until his death on July 10, 2015.

There were so many things that kept Mary busy over the years. She started the day by reading the newspaper every morning on the end of the couch. Mary’s favorite place to be in her home just may have been in the kitchen as she loved baking and cooking, especially for others. She enjoyed playing Bingo, knitting and making rugs, and shopping for bargains, but her favorite pastime was helping others. Mary was always willing to lend a helping hand in her community, especially when it involved senior citizens. Anytime she could she loved sharing her Godly love with others as her faith was a cornerstone in her life.

All who knew Mary Anderson would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She found great joy in encouraging others and lifting their spirits while also helping when she could in ways both great and small. Mary’s unwavering devotion to her family was easy to see, and she taught others to never give up as the storms of life loom overhead. A true example of what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved, Mary will never be forgotten by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Mary Catherine Anderson, age 71, of Racine, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Ascension All Saints Hospital. Surviving are her children, Thomas L. (Yvette) Anderson Jr. of Racine, Roy S. Anderson of Racine, Nicole (Anthony) Anderson – Leonard of Los Angeles, CA, Melissa Story (Benjamin Tye) of Racine; 11 grandchildren; great grandchildren; siblings Lawrence Thielen, Nicholas (Marilyn) Thielen, Nancy (Jacob) Johnson, Patricia (Gale) Davis, Joseph (Jackie) Thielen; sister-in-law, Jean Thielen; many other in-laws; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Daniel, Richard, and Fr. Jerome Thielen. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home, Saturday, October 2, 2021, 10:30am with Pastors Stanley and Alicia McKenzie officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 9:30am – 10:30 am. The service will be live streamed and may be viewed by going to the funeral home website, select Mary’s page, select services, and select livestream. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the ICU staff at Ascension All Saints for their compassionate care and to Uncle Larry for always being there for our mom.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY

803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403

(262)634-7888

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www.meredithfuneralhome.com