Sydney Lee Anderson

Sydney Lee Anderson, 94, of South Bend, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025. She was born on July 9, 1931, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, to the late Charles and Leona (Sellers) Irwin. After graduating high school, Sydney attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business education. On August 7, 1954, she married the love of her life, David Anderson. They shared more than 61 years of laughter and adventure before his passing in 2015.

Sydney is survived by her daughters, Kathy (John) Stark of North Charleston, South Carolina, Sally (Barry) Zimmerle of Granger, Indiana, and Betsy Anderson of New York. She was a proud grandmother to Morgan (Jen) Anderson, Megan Anderson, Kayla (Chris) Grove, Nichole (Zach) Spurgeon, J.D. Padrnos, Katie Padrnos, and Nathaniel “Bip” Padrnos, and a loving great-grandmother to Ben and Margot Anderson, Liam, Noah, and Amelia Grove, and Declyn and Talyn Spurgeon.

Earlier in life, Sydney worked for U.S. Steel before becoming a mother and raising three daughters. Later, she owned and operated the Craft and Trim Shop in St. Joseph, Michigan, where her creativity and eye for detail shined. Sydney had a love for travel, especially cruises to tropical destinations like Tahiti and the South Seas. Sydney also enjoyed vacationing with her daughters, jigsaw puzzles, old Westerns, and was an avid golfer who proudly scored three holes-in-one. Sydney also loved “cocktail hour” with her family and always appreciated a good pour of wine as part of their time together.

Above all, Sydney loved her family deeply. Her daughters affectionately called her their “Little Mother” for her small stature and big personality. She will be remembered for her humor, quick wit, and trademark “pinch-and-poke” followed by a mischievous grin. Sydney brought joy and laughter to everyone around her.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with her care.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Sydney’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.

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