Mary Tess Anderson

Mary T. "Tess" Anderson, 88, of Cherry Valley, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at OSF St. Anthony, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 10, 1927, in Grimsby Lincolnshire, England, the daughter of John and Sarah (Riggall) King. She met the love of her life, Robert V. Anderson, and the two married on November 18, 1944 at St. Mary on the Sea Catholic Church in Grimsby Lincolnshire, England. Tess was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where she served on the Women's Guild. She volunteered at Rockford Memorial Hospital for nearly 30 years, was a charter member of American Business Women of America, and former Woman of the Year, Sinnissippi Chapter. She was employed as an executive secretary at Mattison Machine Works, Camcar, Whales Beech, and Rockford Process Control. She was also a former part owner of Rockford Process Control. Tess loved animals, and was an avid reader and world traveler. Most importantly, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.

She is survived by her children, Steven R. Anderson of Poplar Grove, and Susanne M. “Sue” (Steven) Kirkham of Woodstock; her grandchildren, Todd J. Anderson, Mathew C. Kirkham, Chad M. (Jessica) Anderson, and Jason R. Kirkham; her brother Kenneth King of Cleethorpes Lincolnshire, England; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Robert, her daughter in-law, Shelia M., granddaughter, Colette L., brother, Jack, sister, Joan and many brother and sister in-laws.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 18, 2016, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd., at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., and will continue the following morning at Holy Family from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be determined at a later date.