Marcia L. Anderson

It is with the heaviest heart that we announce the passing of Marcia Anderson on January 6, 2024, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.
Just one day after celebrating the 4th of July in the northwoods of Wisconsin, as she had done for decades, we were shattered by the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Her battle with the disease was brief, but mighty as she exhibited a strength that was extraordinary.
Marcia was born in Rockford in March of 1946 to Marion and Melburn Furland. She spent her childhood running around the farm in Stillman Valley, designing dresses for paper dolls, playing with neighborhood friends and bonding with her grandmother that lived on the second floor of her home. She graduated from East High School in 1964, attended college at Gustavus Adolfus in Minnesota and worked for City Bank, The Wall Street Journal and Sundstrand.
In 1969 Marcia married Chuck Anderson, whom she met at Sundstrand. Five years later she began the most rewarding chapter of her life when she became a mother to Britt and Erika. Those years were filled with challenges; winter power outages for days at home in the woods, a husband traveling internationally for work, a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and a brief move to San Diego. She tackled them all with humor, strength and the support of close family and friends. The challenges were far outweighed by the joy she experienced while volunteering for the Junior League, Rockford Woman's Club, Swedish Historical Society and endless school events. She had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places around the world but sought the most pleasure in the quiet moments at home in Roscoe, particularly in her reading spot with Tess, her cherished golden retriever, always close by.
In 2004 she had the privilege of becoming a grandmother to her first granddaughter Katrina. She proved to be a master baby holder and spent hours reading books, coloring and just listening to all of her grandchildren. She was a consummate listener.
After moving from the home they built in Roscoe back to Rockford, Marcia enjoyed the friendships of the Wyndemir Community and continuing her reunions with her adored birthday group.
One of Marcia's greatest passions was cutting and arranging flowers that she would select from the abundant gardens Chuck spent years cultivating. While her favorite flower was the blue hydrangea, she saw beauty in every bloom, from the phlox that grew along the road to the state fair zinnias Chuck planted every year. If your gardens grow with a bit more magic this spring, we would like to think that she has something to do with it.
Marcia is survived by her loving and devoted husband Chuck, daughters Britt (George Melnik), Erika (Tyler Pace) and grandchildren Katrina and Natalie Melnik, and Caroline, Henry and Emily Pace.
A heartfelt thank you to the Northern Illinois Hospice nurses and the caregivers from Visiting Angels for their compassionate and tender care during the final phase of Marcia's journey. We could not have navigated these weeks without their support.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Olson North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main St., Rockford. Memorials can be made to Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary, INC. 111 N. 1ST Street, Rockford, IL 61107 or Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation 4751 Harrison Avenue, Rockford, IL 61108.