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Catherine Ruby
Anderson
Passed away peacefully on February 3, 2014 after a brief illness. She was born on March 26, 1917 in Washington D.C. and shortly thereafter moved with her family to Southern California. After completing school there, she attended the Philadelphia School of Music with her beloved sister Mary McCune. Upon her return to Southern California she entered the Miss Valentine Contest, judged by Cary Grant. She won, and was awarded a screen test with MGM. However, due to her mother's reluctance to have her daughter involved in the movie industry, she turned down the opportunity. Catherine went on to become an extremely successful high fashion model with a career spanning more than 35 years. She participated in every facet of modeling from runway, to print and television, and had a cameo appearance in the award-winning movie "Bullet". She represented top designers such as Dior and all the major fashion houses of that time, and served as president of the National Models Association. She was appointed to and served on the San Mateo County Grand Jury for several years. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Later in life Catherine decided to pursue a career in real estate on the Peninsula. She specialized in high end properties focusing on Menlo Park, Atherton, Woodside and Portola Valley. She became one of the top agents in the area. She started her own real estate firm with her son, Grant Roger Anderson, and was active in real estate until her retirement in the late 1990's. She was a deeply religious woman and had been a devout member of the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church since 1951. A longtime resident of Atherton, she spent many years working with various charity organizations, her favorite being the Peninsula Volunteers. Catherine and her husband Roger were long time members of Menlo Country Club and Olympic Club. She was a life master bridge player and an active member of the Palo Alto Bridge Center, where she was highly respected for her bridge playing expertise. She always greeted everyone, no matter their status, with a genuine engaging smile and cared deeply about her family, friends and the common man. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Preston Roger Anderson and her twin sister, Caroline. She is survived by her sons; Grant Roger Anderson of Atherton, Preston Scott Anderson of Palo Alto and Edwin James Hannay of Atherton, daughters-in-law Colleen Morton Anderson and Marsha Haynes Hannay, grandchildren Catherine Elizabeth Hannay and Edwin James Hannay, Jr., her sister Mary Jane McCune and nephew Nedrick Roland McCune. A celebration of her life will be held at the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church on February 20, 2014 at 2:00 PM followed by a reception. Donations may be made to Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, Pathways Hospice or the charity of your choice.
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3 Entries
I was lucky enough to have dinner and lunch with her a couple of times. What a beautiful and amazing lady inside and out.
Jenny Redo
February 20, 2014
Dear Anderson family. Since living on Heather Drive in the 50's and 60's and baby sitting Grant and Scott, I have known the Andersons. Catherine was a stunningly tall and beautiful woman I remember with a warm smile and perfect hair. I always admired her ease at perfection and loving personality. She had a long life and was lovingly cared for at home by her family. Isn't that the best?
Tricia (Shipe) Young
February 19, 2014
Sincere condolences to the family of CATHERINE ANDERSON: May the memories that mean the most to you live forever in your heart. And may the GOD OF ALL COMFORT bring you inner peace and support you at this time of sadness. 2Cori
nthians 2:3-7.
February 10, 2014
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