Ann E. Anderson

Ann Elizabeth (Velin) Anderson, 77, of Rockton, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. She was born November 16, 1947, in Negaunee, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Wellsteed) Velin. Ann with her family moved to Rockford, IL when she was a small child. Ann was educated in Rockford Public Schools, graduated from East High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Illinois State University and a Master's Degree in Education Administration from Northern Illinois University. On November 19, 1966, she married Keith L. Anderson of Rockford. In 1969 Ann began teaching history and social studies for the Rockford Public Schools. She later was named County Outstanding Teacher of History from the DAR. In 1987 she was appointed assistant principal at Auburn High School and in 1991 became the first woman to lead a Rockford high school when appointed principal at Auburn. Later, she began a position in RPS District 205 administration, serving as General Director of Secondary Schools and later as Assistant Superintendent, retiring in 2002.

Ann and Keith enjoyed traveling in the US and abroad. They did several cruises but the Baltic/Russia cruise was a highlight. For many years they enjoyed the family's Labrador retrievers. Mormor, as Annika and Eli called her, loved being with her grandchildren. She enjoyed collecting antiques, reading, sewing, gardening, traveling, attending plays, playing dominoes, historical research and other pursuits but was happiest doing construction, remodeling, and trimming trees. Since her birth, her connections to the UP were always strong. In 1998 she and Keith began deconstructing and remodeling their summer home, "Da Camp", on their property on the Dead River Basin in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She was very happy when Keith gave her a chop saw for Valentines Day and a table saw for Mother's Day. She and Keith happily hosted their extended family each year and extra camp visits for Annika and Eli throughout the summer. They were privileged to have known wonderful friends, neighbors, and the Wednesday Cocktail Group.

Ann is survived by her husband of 58 years, Keith; children, Jason A. (Marshall Nelson) Anderson and Sarah E. (Christopher) Anderson-Hartwig; grandchildren, Annika and Eli Hartwig; sister, Nancy (Brad) Johnson; niece, Jennifer (Oscar) Carlson; nephew, Mark (Sara) Johnson; and brother-in-law, Kent Anderson.

Her ashes will be interned in the Negaunee Cemetery, Negaunee, MI at a private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601. To share a memory or condolence please visit olsonfh.com