Susan Berical Anderson
May 23, 2009
Susan Berical Anderson, 60, died peacefully in her home on Saturday, May 23, 2009. She was cared for by her loving family and Hospice of Central Iowa to ease her passing. She had battled cancer for over 15 years.
She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Bruce. They were married on May 27, 1972. Daughter, Melissa of Crested Butte, CO; and son Ben and wife Amy of West Des Moines. She loved her wonderful grandchildren Juliette and Cael Anderson.
Susan was born in Schenectady, NY, graduated from Central College in Iowa, and received her Masters Degree in Elementary Counseling from Drake University. She taught in the Des Moines Schools for 37 years as a fourth grade teacher and elementary counselor. She became a National Board Certified Counselor, and was a friend and role-model to the children that she taught. Principals, teachers, parents and students loved Mrs. Anderson for her professionalism, and kind and caring manner.
She loved family and gave of herself to pass on her values of respect, responsibility, love, caring and beauty. She enjoyed her friends, genealogy, reading, sunshine, and travel. She was a life-long student, and always relished learning and experiencing new things.
Susan was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines.
General services will be held at Covenant at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Interment will follow at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter at a later date. Her family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday May 25, 2009 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa, Covenant Presbyterian Church or to the Susan B. Anderson Education Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be made to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mary Fitzgibbons
06/07/2009
Bruce and family,
I am going to miss Sue so much. My best friend from high school, we had so many silly girl adventures together. I will always remember her.
Love,
Mary
Jody Suttie
06/04/2009
Mr. Anderson,
We are so sad for your loss. Gather comfort from the wonderful memories and your loving family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Suttie Family
Steve Owens
05/26/2009
To the Anderson family:
I was a student in Mrs. Anderson's 4th grade class at Moore Elementary in 1976-1977. Although almost 33 years have gone by, I have never forgotten her kindness and gentle nature. It was obvious even to a young child that she adored and respected her students and was committed to education. I recall she missed part of the year due to maternity leave, but she never allowed that to interfere with giving her students the full attention they needed.
I am very sorry to hear of her passing and the illness that she endured. Please know that she touched many lives positively through the years and she will live on through each of those lives.
My prayers are with you. God Bless.
Steve Owens
Betty Lynn Libertucci
05/26/2009
Dear Bruce, Lissy and Ben:
Cousin Sue was a very special cousin and I have many fond memories of our growing up together.
I will miss her very much and want you to know my love and thoughts are with you.
Love,
Cousin Betty
Mike Reiter
05/26/2009
Bruce, Lissy, Ben and family,
I only learned of Susan's passing when Annie reached me near Minneapolis last night on my way back from a Memorial Day Week-end trip. I will be coming to the funeral today to extend in person the Reiter and Kuehlhorn families condolences. Debi is still in Gunnison with Annie, Matt and our new grandaughter for another week.
God Bless all of you in this time of mourning and remembrance of a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother,
Mike Reiter
Kristen Livingston
05/26/2009
Bruce & Family--
I met you all for the first time last year in myrtle beach. Even only meeting Susie this once I could tell she was a special person... and it was easy for me to understand why the whole family was just crazy about her. I have never seen anyone so dedicated to furthering themselves. Her work on The Book of Berical is inspirational alone!! You are in our thoughts and prayers...
Susie was timeless, and she leaves behind a legacy!
May God Bless and take you heart in his hands,
Kristen and Timothy Livingston
Joan Hanlon
05/26/2009
Bruce,
I was so sorry to hear of Sue's death. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. I really enjoyed chatting with you two about your family history. I moved out to Colorado Springs a few weeks ago and wanted to let you know I could not attend the service but will remember Sue and her wonderful smile and positive attitude.
-Joan Hanlon
Bill Trotter
05/26/2009
I first met Sue when Bruce joined the Justo Hijo Magic Club. When Sue attended our meetings, she was often selected as one of the few female "volunteers." Even though I'm sure that Sue would have preferred to stay seated, she always helped out the magical performer by selecting a card, holding a prop, or carrying out any assigned duties as called for by the magician.
Sue made us "David Copperfield wannabes" look good! Sue added style, grace, and enthusiasm to the magician's performance. Her radiant smile always brightened the performer's routine.
Marla Sobel
05/26/2009
Dear Bruce and other family members,
I am so sorry to hear about Susan's passing. I am a school counselor in Des Moines, and I really enjoyed working with her. Susan was always a positive
voice in the counseling community, and I know she was very well-respected by her colleagues.
I appreciated her quiet, gentle personality, and I can only imagine how much you will all miss her. You are in my thoughts. I hope you find much comfort and support from your loved ones and friends.
Take care,
Marla Sobel
Becky Miller
05/26/2009
I was so sorry to hear that Sue had died, but relieved that her long battle with cancer is finally over. She was a great person and a very respected elementary school counselor. I started the same year Sue began at Jefferson Elementary and have many fond memories of our path in helping elementary students in Des Moines become mature and well-rounded individuals. Sue was a very compassionate and calm counselor. Her quiet tones reminded us all of the way to keep calm when dealing with needy students, especially those who weren't real appreciative of our interventions. She will be dearly missed in our community.
Scott La Mar
05/26/2009
Ben - I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. You have my sincere condolences.
Carolyn and Gary Follmer
05/26/2009
Bruce, Lissy and Ben:
Our hearts and prayers go to you all during this difficult time. Sue was a special lady to the many people she touched during her life. She will be missed by all of us.
Joyce kept me updated on Sue's illness and family news. You were always in our prayers and thoughts.
May God Bless you all and surround you with His peace.
Love, Carolyn and Gary
Sandy Hoenig, Ames
05/26/2009
Dear Bruce,
This is the first time I've ever sent a sympathy card via e-mail
and would prefer snail mail but don't have your home address.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Not sure if you'll remember
me but I am a retired elementary school counselor in Ames and attended many
of Jim Anderson's Humanities events held at the Grinnell campus. I have
many memories of you and Susan attending them. I always enjoyed being with
the two of you because the love and devotion you had for each other was so
evident. The way Susan's eyes would roll when you were entertaining all of
us!
I rarely use the word "sweet" to describe someone but can't think of a better
word to describe her. Susan was always so thoughtful and caring. I'm sure
that everyone at her school loved her kindness.
May your faith and family sustain you during the coming months as you cope
with her loss and your sense of emptyness.
Joy and peace,
Sandy Hoenig
1216 25th Ames 50010
Sue and Rich France
05/24/2009
Dear Bruce,
We have so many wonderful and happy memories doing things with you guys. We send you and the family so much love. I have always considered Sue as one of my dearest lifelong friends. We consider every moment we spent together as a true gift. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers and we will be with you on Tuesday.
All our love, Sue and Rich
Russ and Mary Marshall
05/25/2009
Bruce, Lissy, Ben, Amy, Juliette and Cael,
Sorry we are not there to give you each a big hug in person. You have been and will remain in our thoughts and prayers. We are thankful that Sue's suffering is over, but so sorry for your loss.