Doris Anderson

Doris Y. Anderson died on April 14, 2012, at Meriter Hospital following a brief illness. She was born Doris Elaine Young, on November 10, 1920 in Johnstown, Colorado, to English immigrants Edward and Annie (Bellwood) Young. She was the youngest of the Youngs' 2 boys and 2 girls. When Doris was only 2, her sister Bernice, 12, died of a fever, leaving her the family's only girl. Not long after Doris's birth, her family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she grew up. Doris was a sweet and happy child, never causing her parents any trouble. She doted on her mother, who suffered ill health for much of Doris's childhood. The family adopted a stray dog they named Tuffy, whom Doris adored, and about whom she shared many fond memories. An excellent student, Doris was talented in music, art, and with words, and was a star in high school softball. From a young age, classical music became her life-long passion. Taller than most girls of the time, Doris grew into a beautiful and graceful young woman. She attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, graduating with a degree in commerce education. Early in her freshman year, she met her husband-to-be, freshman chemistry student Laurens Anderson, and the two of them maintained a friendship throughout their time in Laramie. Doris and Laurens were engaged in December 1942, just before Laurens shipped off to Italy to serve in WWII. Laurens returned from Italy in 1945, and they married in September of that year. Shortly after the wedding, they moved to Madison where Laurens enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin. After Laurens received his PhD degree in biochemistry, he and Doris lived for a year in Zurich, Switzerland, where Laurens had a postdoctoral fellowship. Laurens then joined the faculty of the UW Biochemistry Department, and he and Doris made their home in Madison. They joined the First Congregational United Church of Christ, where they met many wonderful people, and became part of a close-knit circle of friends, some of whom still survive. Resourceful at managing on a tight budget, Doris taught piano lessons to neighborhood children while maintaining a tidy home and raising the couple's own three children. She was a loving wife and mother, who found time to play with her kids, and to participate in church groups, the PTA, and scouting activities for both her sons and her daughter. As her children grew older, Doris took jobs as a substitute teacher and a recreational supervisor for older adults. In the latter position, Doris led a seniors' kitchen band, accompanying the group on the piano. Doris never missed an opportunity to find beauty in the simplest of things. She was warm and kind, quick to laugh, and could talk to anybody about anything, as she was a good listener who was always interested. She loved birds, flowers, and trees, and had a gentle touch with all, including animals. In later years, Doris developed a serious love of opera, and could often be found blasting 'Saturday Afternoons at the Met' on public radio as she cleaned house or did other such chores. As she aged and became less able, she still took much joy in the people and things she loved, always more concerned about others than about her own difficulties. Doris will forever be remembered by her family and friends as the truly wonderful person she was.
Doris is survived by her husband Laurens; children: Eric of Norfolk, VA, Karl of Santa Fe, NM, and Kristine (Anne Lucas) of Madison; grandaughter Stephanie Anderson (Jacob Engel) of Douglassville, PA; one nephew and 3 nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Russell and Fred and their wives, sister Bernice, and daughter-in-law Martha (Eric).
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the First Congregational Church, 1609 University Ave., Madison, WI, 53726. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the church at the above address.