Greta Ida Nelson Anderson

Anderson, Greta Ida Nelson

Feb. 9, 1918 - Nov. 8, 2023

Greta Ida Nelson Anderson, age 105, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, while at home in the presence of her family on the evening of November 8, 2023. Greta's parents, Swedish immigrants, Edith & David Nelson, raised she and her four sisters in Buffalo, New York, all of whom predeceased her. At the age of 23, while working as a beautician, Greta married Carl Anderson, whom she celebrated 56 years of marriage with before his death in 1997. At the age of 81, she married Ralph Chambers, whom she celebrated 15 years of marriage with before his death in 2014. Greta and Carl raised their children in her hometown; Jack (Lorraine), Ann (Larry), Nels (Linda), Holly (Kirk) and Keith (Darcy). Her 14 grandchildren knew her as mormor, farmor or grandma, and her 18 great-grandchildren called her gammelmormor. In 1946, together with her husband Carl, Greta co-founded Anderson's Frozen Custard, which remains owned and operated by her family. Greta's unforgettable smile and friendly greeting were as much a part of the Anderson's recipe as the ingredients in the food served. After retirement, she held a birthday tradition (even at 105!) of visiting an Anderson's location to make a custard cone in support of the Variety Club Children's charities. Even at home, good food prevailed through Greta's phenomenal cooking of Swedish family recipes that will live on whenever they are made and shared. Greta loved children, and she served as teacher and leader of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Good News Club and Child Evangelism Fellowship. She always answered the inquisitive "Why?" of her students and grandchildren with, "Well, child, because it says so on page three in fine print." Greta also loved her church communities, and for many years participated in the choir at her churches both in Western New York and in Jupiter, Florida. Many will remember Greta for her perennial kindness, ceaseless joy, and practical, often humorous, wisdom. She comforted many through her knowledge of scripture, often quoting from the Bible to comfort and encourage those she knew and loved. In her later years, she sang and prayed every morning and evening in the home where she lived. Most of all, Greta loved Jesus, and she lived her life reading the Bible daily and helping others as best she could. Even a smile while passing an ice cream cone to a customer was an important way that she shared her deep faith in Jesus' love. A memorial celebration will take place in the Spring '24. Donations are welcome in honor of Greta Anderson to Hospice of Buffalo and  the  Buffalo City Mission  Society.