Eleanor M. Anderson's Obituary
Eleanor Molen Anderson was born in Waco, Texas on March 21, 1925, and died in Dallas on February 12, 2023. She was dedicated to her church, her family and her friends. She had a love for all children and as an early childhood teacher at the University Park United Methodist Church Day School, was named Dallas Teacher of the Year in 1995 by the Dallas Association for the Education of Young Children. She was also certified by the United Methodist Church as a laboratory instructor in leadership education and trained many church schoolteachers across the conference.
She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1945 and was certified as a Registered Dietician at Allentown, Pennsylvania General Hospital. In 1947, she married Roger Wasson Anderson, who died in 2005. Their marriage produced three sons – Scott, David, and Dan. All three survive her as does Dan’s wife, Sheila. Five of her grandchildren survive: Roger, Philip, Jacqueline, Caroline and Sarah. Allison, her youngest granddaughter, preceded her in death. Brother Robert Molen of Greensboro, North Carolina and other beloved relatives and friends also survive her, including former daughters in law Dana Anderson and Ginger Anderson.
Having joined on June 17, 1951, Eleanor was believed to be the final surviving charter member of the Walnut Hill United Methodist Church – the charter members were called “the Bachman Bunch” because they held services at Bachman Lake while the church building was being constructed. She served faithfully in several areas with a special interest in the Creative School, educational ministry and missions. She and Roger were honorary chairpersons of a Capital Campaign in 2002, which expanded and updated the church.
Eleanor liked to say that she had “a song for every occasion” and that proved to be true up until the end. She died peacefully with her son David by her side after being told how much everyone loves her.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 19 at the Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, 13005 Greenville Avenue. On Monday, February 20, after a private burial at 10 a.m. in Restland’s Trinity Garden section, a memorial service will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Church at 10066 Marsh Lane, with Reverend Jo Biggerstaff officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her church or your charity of choice.
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