Elaine Louise Anderson

Elaine Louise Anderson went home Wednesday morning, Aug. 17, 2011, at Hope Hospice of Cape Coral. She was born Nov. 28, 1927, to Ernest S. and Monie Abbott Erickson of Sheridan, Ill.

Her parents and one son, Jeffrey E. Anderson, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, L. L. (Andy) Anderson of St. James City, her sister, Mrs. Edie (Marty) Bucco of Ft. Collins, Colo.; two sons, Mr. Nick (Charlotte) Anderson of Tampa, Mr. Dan Anderson of Montana; two daughters, Ms. Julie Abbott-Jones of Black River Falls, Wis., and Mrs. Lisa (Paul) Clausel of Archdale, N.C.; her cherished grandchildren, Mrs. Angela Christine (Michael) Zolper, Ms. Chrissy Chandler, Mrs. Shelley (Alex) Strijewski, Lina and David Clausel, Vijay Mahtani Anderson; and seven great-grandchildren.

She graduated from Newark High School in 1945, went on to Augustana Nursing College in Chicago graduating in 1949, despite losing her father in 1948. She married Andy Anderson June 10, 1950, reared five children and worked as a nurse, surgical nurse and home health nurse for 34 years.

She was a pioneer in the home health nursing field, establishing the Flame Nursing Service in 1975, she also served on LaSalle County’s (IL) first Health Department Board, enabling her to continue her passion in bringing health services to all people. She was also very active at Sheridan United Methodist Church for over 30 years as well as her Florida Church, Pine Island United Methodist Church where she established a bible study group for women over 20 years ago that still continues today. She also took part in a bi-annual health fair at the Pine Island UMC.

Considered gracious and loving to all, her undying spirit of compassion to all those in her life, and the many lives she touched, will live on forever in our hearts.

A memorial is Sunday Aug. 21, at Pine Island UMC.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers to please memorials to Pine Island United Methodist Church or Hope Hospice.

Family and friends may sign the guest register by visiting www.dignifiedcremations.com.