Margaret Anderson

1920 - 2017

Margaret Anderson 1920—2017
Margaret Blaisdell Anderson, 96, of Rockford, died at home in her sleep on February 25, 2017. Born August 14, 1920, in Rockford, she was the daughter of Viola Hull Fisher and E. Warde Blaisdell, noted illustrator and cartoonist, and the granddaughter of Elijah Whittier Blaisdell, Jr., who was an abolitionist, organizer of the Republican Party in northern Illinois, publisher of the Rockford Republican, and early supporter of Abraham Lincoln. She spent her early childhood in Leonia, New Jersey, artist colony, attended Rockford High School, and graduated from Hononegah High School in Roscoe IL. She enjoyed her time as a USO hostess in Tucson, AZ during World War II. In 1946, she married Rockford resident Norman C. Anderson (1920-2001), World War II Navy veteran and bricklayer. She enjoyed drawing, reading about American history, particularly Lincoln and World War II, viewing backyard wildlife and flowers, and looking at old movies and TV shows. She was mentally sharp and physically well until the day before she died. Survived by sons, Lawrence Blaisdell Anderson, and Stephen Warde Anderson; and daughter, Cynthia Doris Anderson, all of Rockford. Predeceased by her sister, Doris Blaisdell Bunting and her husband, Norman.
A memorial visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel. Inurnment Willwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Winnebago County Animal Services appreciated. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com