Doreen A. Anderson

Doreen A. Anderson, 90, of Cranston, beloved wife of Robert C. Anderson for over 68 years died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 27, 2023 with her family at her side. The daughter of the late Norman and Dorothy (Ottestad) Gervais, she was born on January 21, 1933 in Providence, RI.

Doreen was a graduate of Cranston High School - Class of 1950. She began her career as a teller for Industrial National Bank. Upon the birth of their first son Donald, who had special needs, Doreen stayed home to care for him. Upon his death in 1970, Doreen returned to work for over 24 years as the office staff/bookkeeper for the "formerly" named Cranston Center for Retarded Citizens and then for another 23 years at West Bay Residential (WestBayRI) - two organizations ensuring children and adults with special needs had fulfilling lives. After her husband, her greatest love were her three grandchildren. She was full of joy to participate in so many parts of their lives for 20 years, especially seeing them accepted to college. And after reconnecting with a relative in Norway, Doreen's favorite trip was visiting her Norwegian family and the family graves in Kongsvinger, Norway.  She also loved her Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law; Jeffrey Anderson and Patricia Obermaier of Oakton, Virginia and three loving grandchildren; Carina Anderson of Charlottesville, Virginia and Laurel Anderson and Eric Anderson of Oakton, Virginia. She is pre-deceased by her son, Donald R. Anderson. She was also pre-deceased by her sister Dorothea Ritzen and her brother-in-law Curt Ritzen of Vernon, Connecticut. She leaves her beloved nieces Deborah Rhinesmith of Manchester, Connecticut and Doreen Burns of East Hartford, Connecticut and their husbands and several grand-nieces and nephews and their families.

Visitation will be held in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston on Thursday July 6, 2023 from 6:00-8:00pm. A Funeral Service will take place in St. Paul Lutheran Church and Bethany Ministry 389 Greenwich Avenue Warwick at 10:00am on July 7, 2023 concluding with a private burial in Pawtuxet Memorial Park Warwick.


In lieu of flowers, contributions in Doreen's memory may be made to West Bay RI, 158 Knight St, Warwick, RI 02886 or online at https://www.westbayri.org/donations.