Lona Roberta Anderson, a resident of Croton-on-Hudson, NY, passed away on June 9, 2024. Lona was born on February 22, 1946 in Oakland, California to the late Robert P. and Elizabeth (Fagan) Anderson. Before her retirement, Lona worked as a social worker for many years for Westchester County. Lona was the first in her family to receive a college degree and took great pride in her degrees and professional accolades, allowing her to dedicate her employment to working with children and facilities that were affiliated with the Archdiocese of New York. Working with children of various needs and supporting their families, Lona was an integral part of supporting children in developing healthy relationships, as well as establishing independent living for the children. Lona was able to partner with various group homes throughout the state and help facilitate partnerships with families. She enjoyed sharing the special story of a 14 year old child and being invited to sponsor her to make her confirmation. Throughout the years, Lona enjoyed volunteering with the Euphrasian Residence, which was a residential treatment center, serving teenage girls in crisis, as well as the Phoenix House.
Lona's heart was always to help others and she began the latter part of her career employed by the Westchester County Department of Social Services. She worked as a caseworker before taking on supervisory responsibilities as a Program Specialist and overseeing a unit of caseworkers. With the increase of needs to help support various populations, Lona was able to transition to a Program Administrator in the Department's Housing Office in White Plains. There she was able to supervise nine Senior Clerks and a Senior Caseworker. Always interested in the latest technology, Lona helped develop programs and trained other employees. Lona also was able to develop a computer-based program to help with tracking of data related to movements and placements made from any of the Westchester County district offices. Her programs and interests helped support children and adults throughout Westchester County.
Lona had many special memories growing up in Croton-on-Hudson. She enjoyed playing field hockey and tennis, being voted "Most Athletic" her senior year. Hobbies included attending Broadway shows, performances at the Lincoln Center and Radio City Music Hall. A lover of various music genres, Lona was a devoted Bette Midler and Peter Allen fan. She loved being able to take family into NYC for concerts, shows and sporting events. Her best friend, Marsha Maddox, enjoyed the same love of shows and sports. Madison Square Garden was another venue where you could find Lona and her friends. One friend had courtside tickets to see the Knicks and she never would turn down the opportunity to watch her favorite basketball team. A devoted Knicks fan, Lona would say they were the "almost" team, never quite making it to a championship. However, during the 1970-1971 season, Lona was attending a performance by Peter, Paul and Mary, at Carnegie Hall, and an announcement was made during intermission that the Knicks had won the NBA Championship! Lona was a loyal and devoted fan and so proud of their successful season! Lona was also a fanatic tennis fan, watching many of the notables play. Lona always had a story to share from her outings, providing many happy memories for her family and friends.
She is survived by her brothers: Robert, Paul (Jennifer) and her sister, Janet (Vinny) Patalano. Lona also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, including: Lee (Tony) Schwartz, Michael (Lindsay) Anderson, Debra (Hugh) McGrory, Megan (Mike) Peters, Vincent Patalano, and Danielle (Ray) Longo. Lona loved her family very much and adored her great nieces and nephews: Mason and Logan Schwartz, Livia and Levon Anderson, and Saoirse McGrory. Lona will forever be remembered for her giving heart, her love for her family, her memorable antics and love of life.
She was predeceased by her parents and her sister-in-law, Judith Anderson (Croton-on-Hudson).
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, June 15th from 9:00 am -11:00 am at Edward F. Carter Funeral Home, 41 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520, where a funeral service will be at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Bethel Cemetery, Old Post Road South, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Good Shepherd Services in Lona's memory, honoring her dedication to her volunteer work at the Euphrasian Diagnostic Center serving young girls in crisis. (www.goodshepherds.org)
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.1