Margaret B. Anderson

Margaret Blaisdell Anderson, 96, of Rockford, died at home in her sleep on February 25, 2017. Born on August 14, 1920, in Rockford, she was the daughter of Viola Hull Fisher and E. Warde Blaisdell, noted illustrator and cartoonist, and the granddaughter of Elijah Whittier Blaisdell, Jr., who was an abolitionist, organizer of the Republican Party in northern Illinois, publisher of the Rockford Republican, and early supporter of Abraham Lincoln. She spent her early childhood in Leonia, New Jersey, artist colony, attended Rockford High School, and graduated from Hononegah High School in Roscoe IL. She enjoyed her time as a USO hostess in Tucson AZ during World War II. In 1946 she married Rockford resident Norman C. Anderson (1920-2001), World War II navy veteran and bricklayer. She enjoyed drawing, reading about American history, particularly Lincoln & World War II, viewing backyard wildlife & flowers, and looking at old movies and TV shows. She was mentally sharp and physically well until the day before she died.

Survived by sons, Lawrence Blaisdell Anderson, and Stephen Warde Anderson; her daughter Cynthia Doris Anderson, all of Rockford. Predeceased by her sister Doris Blaisdell Bunting and her husband Norman.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, March 3, 2017 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel. Inurnment Willwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Winnebago County Animal Services appreciated. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com