Grace Louise Anderson, a long-time resident and educator of the Hammond area, passed peacefully in her home on Monday, October 10, 2016. Born September 29, 1919 in her East Chicago Harbor home, Louise was the second of six Main children. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana State Teachers College in Terre Haute, Indiana. After returning home, she taught at the K-1st grade level in the East Chicago school system for three years. After the birth of her first child, Louise took time off to care for her children, returning to educating after her last child started first grade. Louise remained a loving, loyal teacher to Thomas A. Edison Elementary School for 21 years. During her time away from schools, and throughout most of her life, Louise volunteered as an early education Sunday School teacher. Through this role, she touched the lives of many people in the Northwest Indiana area, including her own children and grandchildren. Because she was so beloved in this role, she was asked to lead a seminar at the North American Christian Convention on teaching God's Word to three-to five-year old children. Her volunteer spirit also led her into the lives of 15 years' worth of band students, and the children in her son's Cub Scout Troop. She now joins her husband, Robert L. Anderson, on nearly the same date of his death 21 years earlier. Her death was preceded by her parents, Neil and Bessie Main and her sisters, Barbara Main and Lois Smith. She is survived by her siblings: Glenn Main, Kathleen Sweeney, Carl Main (Kathy); her children: Neil Anderson (Jennifer), Suellen Stookey (Robert), Paul Anderson, and Glenna Beshears (James). Her legacy continues in the lives of her ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and dozens of nieces and nephews. To say many have been touched by the love and compassion that is Grace Louise Anderson is an understatement; those who call her Grandma Anderson are abundant. Burial will be in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Published in The Times on Oct. 15, 2016
Family Members
Parents
Neil C Main
1892–1974
Bessie L Main
1896–1994
Spouse
Robert L Anderson
1918–1995
Siblings
Lois Rose Main Smith*
1918–2012
Barbara Jean Main*
1937–1958
