Kathleen Mary Anderson

Kathleen Mary Anderson, age 73, of Grand Rapids, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.  She was born April 20, 1951, in Grand Rapids, MI to Edward and Mary Jane (McCarthy) McDermott.  Kathleen married Joel Anderson on July 17, 1976.  Kathleen was full of joy and resilient to life’s challenges.  She always made you feel like you were being heard.  She had a sense of fun blended with a deep caring about everyone with whom she chose to share her time.  Kathleen graduated from Mount Mercy Academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She enjoyed working many years at Hope Network with her best friend, Janice Springer, as a work skilled trainer.  Later, at the request of Tina Hartley, she joined Goodwill Industries as a  job placement coordinator.  Those who knew her best realized that she was a truly loyal friend, a devout Christian, and a proud democrat.  She was a parishioner at St. Alphonsus Church.  She enjoyed a range of entertainment including the theater, and made many trips to see Broadway productions in Chicago and Grand Rapids.  As well, she never grew tired of watching The Waltons and Leave It To Beaver.  She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 48 years, Joel; sisters and brothers: Maureen (Russell) Prys, Thomas McDermott, Patrick McDermott, Timothy McDermott; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jerry (Judith) Anderson, Sonja (Max) Schipper, Steve (Janell) Anderson; many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Mary Jane McDermott; sister, Ann Barry; sister-in-law, Kathryn McDermott; niece, Kelly Ann Prys.  A visitation will be held from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Avenue, Wyoming.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024 at St. Alphonsus Church, 224 Carrier St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, with Rev. Christopher Epplett presiding.  Burial will be held at Kent Memorial Gardens.  Kathleen’s life and legacy will be honored and remembered by all who knew her.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disability Advocates of Kent County (https://www.dakc.us/).