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Nancy Lee Anderson, the "Math Lady"
September 25, 1946 - June 14, 2013
Nancy Anderson passed peacefully from this world to the waiting arms of her Savior Jesus Christ in her home in east Salem on Friday, June 14th. She was with her two sons and her husband of 34 years when she succumbed to the effects of an as yet undetermined neurologic condition.
Nancy was born in Waynesboro Pennsylvania to Lorine and Robert Spidell, She grew up and graduated from high school in Chambersburg Pennsylvania, then earned a degree in Science Education from nearby Shippensburg State University. After completing her degree, she taught with the Peace Corp in St. Lucia in the West Indies and in schools in American Samoa.
Following her overseas experiences she moved to Oregon, settling in Monmouth where she took courses to certify her to teach in Oregon. She continued her teaching career at Judson Middle school in Salem, where she quickly transitioned from science to basic math courses. It did not take her long to realize a passion for teaching math to those students who seemed to struggle most. She quickly became aware that these students learned best when playing games rather than using traditional methods. At that point in her life she began spending most of her spare time creating games to help her students learn more successfully.
In the winter of 1977, she met her husband to be David Anderson of Salem. With Nancy's encouragement, David completed education training at OSU to become a woodworking teacher. Following his graduation in the spring of 1979, they were married and moved to St Helens, Oregon where they both taught for two years. In the summer of 1981 their first son Lucas was born and they moved to Salem to teach in the Salem School District. Their second son, Ian, was born in 1984. She returned to teaching at Judson, and over the ensuing 20 years, taught at many other Salem schools as well.
Throughout Nancy's teaching career, she continued to develop an appreciation for the effectiveness of games and manipulatives as powerful tools for teaching mathematics. She found strength in students learning first with concrete objects that could then transfer to more abstract models that were more traditionally taught.
She became very involved in leadership role in the mathematics community of the Northwest through the Northwest Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Northwest Math Leaders. These volunteer organizations provide collegial support for teachers to share expertise and improve their teaching skills.
Nancy received two awards for her work, the first in 1988, was the Presidential Award given to one Science and one Math teacher from each state by the National Science foundation. The second was the Mildred Bennett award by the OCTM for her work at the elementary/middle school level.
Following her retirement from full time classroom teaching in Salem in 2001, she continued to share her expertise and enthusiasm. She created a company called "Making Math Count" and under that banner provided consultation and training with teachers in Salem and around the northwest. She also developed and taught math methods courses for Portland State and Oregon State Universities. Her energy and commitment to the meaningful understanding of fundamental mathematics concepts left an unforgettable mark on her students who ranged in level from kindergarten to graduate level teachers. She was "THE MATH LADY".
She was preceded in death by both her parents, and is survived by her husband David, her two son's Lucas, (Kelsie), and Ian, (Abby, to be married July 25th) and her two sisters, Ginger Beckner of Salem, and Robin Robison (Shane) of Los Altos California as well as six nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held at Fruitland Community Church on Friday evening June 28th at 7:00. In lieu of flowers, please send donation to: Nancy Anderson Memorial Fund, care of Fruitland Community church, 813 63rd Ave. NE Salem, OR 97317
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Today I was "channeling" the math lady through teaching my daughter math. I miss her so much, yet her voice lives on in those she was admired by.
Alix
Coworker
April 21, 2021
Dave~ Memories from days of staff/family Christmas parties with your family singing are embedded in my heart. You and the boys have become the men you are because of who you shared your lives with. Thank you Nancy for sharing. Peace to your family as they deal with loss. You all are in my prayers.
Sandy Huntley Sexton
June 28, 2013
She raised an outstanding family. I always enjoyed seeing her smiling face around church.
Andrew Distad
June 28, 2013
Dear Ginger and family; I did not know Nancy but I am sure she was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Gods blessings be with you at this time.
Janice Rosenberry Mullan
June 28, 2013
A smiling face, a warm heart and an amazing ability to impact other teachers and students. Bless you Nancy. I am honored to call you a friend.
Lois Costine
June 26, 2013
I grew up with Nancy in Chambersburg. I'm not surprised that she had such a positive influence on her students. She really cared and I'm sure she will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Gary Grove
June 26, 2013
Dave we are so sorry for your loss
charley karen jones
June 26, 2013
Dave. My heart goes out to you & your sons. I was shocked to hear of Nancy's passing. I was honored to know her thru PEO Chapter AB when I lived in Salem.
Ginny Renaud
June 26, 2013
I graduated from Chambersburg High School with Nancy and have fond memories of her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Peggy (Nitterhouse) Moyer
June 26, 2013
Dear Dave, Lucas,Ian, Ginger, Luci, and the all of your family. Nancy was a beloved member of our P.E.O. chapter. She will be greatly missed. She was a remarkable woman, whom I was blessed to know. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amy Church
June 25, 2013
Nancy cared about each and every child she came in contact with. I learned a lot from her. She made math fun for all. She will be missed.
Jan Hansen
June 25, 2013
Ian, we want to express our sympathy for your loss and to let you know that our thoughts are with you and your family. Joel, Linda and Lacey Lujan
Linda Lujan
June 25, 2013
David and Boys - We are terribly sorry to hear about Nancy and promise our deepest devotion and prayers for her and for all of you. May the blessings and comfort of the Spirit be yours now and always.
Michael and Mary Reinbold
June 25, 2013
Ian I didn't know your mom but I know she raised a wonderful son! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time!! Selena Farmer
Selena Farmer
June 25, 2013
Dave: I'm sorry to hear about your wife. I didn't know her but am amazed by her accomplishments.
John Denecke
June 25, 2013
We are truly sorry for your loss, she was a wonderful teacher, mother, and devoted to her family. Our family wishes you all the very best in your time of sorrow. ~ The Lewis Families @ Scott's Cycle ( Larry & Nancy, Steve, Christy, & Andi)
Christy Lewis
June 24, 2013
So so sorry for you loss.. Dan and Mary McIntier
June 24, 2013
We are sad for your family's loss. Nancy is with her Heavenly Father for which we give praise.
Ann and Jerry Gilman
June 23, 2013
Words can not really express my deep sorrow on Nancy's recent passing. She was a terrific teacher, a wonderful wife, a marvelous mother, a sensational sister and sister-in-law, a perfect PEO member, a faithful friend, and now an amazing angel in Heaven. My prayers are with her friends and family.
Debbie Long
June 22, 2013
Prayers for His peace and comfort over you and your family during this difficult time...In His Love,
Sherman and Sandy Locker
June 22, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss. May God give you and your family peace in your time of sorrow.
Ms Porter
June 22, 2013
Dave,
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman. Our hearts ache for you and your family. Holding you up in prayer...
Wade and Jan Kessell
June 21, 2013
Dear Dave & family. My thoughts & prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. With Love, Jerry Woodcock
June 21, 2013
I'm sorry for your loss Mr. Anderson.
Jeff Halbert
June 21, 2013
David, I am so sorry to learn of Nancy's passing. Nothing is as hard as the loss of a spouse, and you undoubtedly have many memories which will help you adjust. Know that my family and I - Coralie and Mark - wish you comfort to help you recover from your loss.
Alice Rose Jones
June 20, 2013
David and family,
So sorry to learn of Nancy's passing. My sincere condolences.
Dan Moore
June 20, 2013
Dear Ian and family, your mom sounded like an amazing woman.I am so sorry for your loss know that My prayers are with you all.. Janice Loney
janice Loney
June 20, 2013
We didn't know her long enough but are so blessed to soon have Ian as part of our family. Prayers and love to her family.
Debbie Shields
June 20, 2013
Dave, Lucas and Ian, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Nancy. May God comfort you in these hard times. Nancy was a wonderful person and I know you will miss her terribly. My prayers are with you. Nancy Smith
June 20, 2013
you will be missed. such an untimely death to a wonderful spirit. You will be remembered. the clinic has lost a special patient. you are with God now.
michelle hanson
June 19, 2013
My most amazing mentor....I will never forget you. Your math games and fantastic style of teaching lives on in many classrooms including mine. You taught me to believe in my self and my students. God be with your family. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed...because of you.
Alix Chamberlain
June 19, 2013
Everytime I asked Nancy for help, she was always unselfish and ready to offer assistance. She is just the kind of teacher that each of us would have wanted for our own children. God bless you, Nancy.
Jim Specht
June 19, 2013
Rest in peace sister. You will always be in my heart.
Ginger Beckner
June 19, 2013
Dear Dave, I am just so sad that Nancy's life was cut short. I have so many fond memories of PEO summer picnics, and Christmas parties at your house. I am so glad that I got to work with Nancy on our Education Committee, and am sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Sheryl Abbott, Ashland
June 19, 2013
Dave, Ian and Lucas
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family!
Stacey Brimm
June 19, 2013
David and boys - our hearts ache for you. Always loved Nancy's laugh and her great stories.
Cherri & Greg
June 19, 2013
We are sorry to learn of the passing of Nancy, but grateful for her service to our nation as a Peace Corps Volunteer in St. Lucia.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
June 19, 2013
What a beautiful tribute to Nancy. We are and will continue to be thinking and praying for you in the coming days. Our hearts ache for you and we wish you God's presence and comfort. Jay and Ruth Quiring
June 18, 2013
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