Christine E Anderson

Christine E. Belchick Anderson, passed away on February 9, 2024, at the age of 103 11/12th in Winter Haven, Florida. She was born on March 14, 1920 near the small town of Heilwood, Pennsylvania. She lived on a farm and began school at the one room school house across the street from the farm. After graduating from Pine Township High School at the age of 16, she commuted to Indiana Teachers College, in Indiana, Pennsylvania. In her senior year she was hired to teach 4th grade at the Heilwood Elementary School, where she had previously attended. She received her BA degree by completing summer classes. Through her 6 years of teaching In Pennsylvania, she had the unusual experience of teaching her own brother, nieces, nephew, and later in Illinois even, her daughter, Marilyn.

During World War II, there was no place for entertainment for the youth. She and the high school Sunday School class she led, organized the “Comet Club,” where teens from the area could dance and play games.

During the summer of 1946, she went to Chicago to take a summer job where she met her future husband, Carl Anderson. They were married on Nov. 16, 1946 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. They lived in Chicago and later moved to Elk Grove, Illinois.

She spent 28 years in education, as a teacher, curriculum coordinator and principal at Mark Hopkins School in District 59 and earned her Master’s Degree in 1968. In 1976, Christine and Carl retired to Winter Haven, Florida.

She served as president of Newcomer’s Club and New Horizon’s Club. She organized many bazaars held at the original Winter Haven Mall. She was a faithful member of Hope Presbyterian Church for 35 years, as well as a Deacon and Elder. She was a dedicated volunteer at Garden Grove Elementary school for 25 years, working with the kindergarten and first graders.

She leaves behind two daughters, Karen (Allen) Peckham of Appleton, WI and Marilyn Bauer of Winter Haven; grandchildren: Ginger (Chris) Howard, Angela (James) VanGrinsven of Appleton, WI, Megan (Chris) Jaskulski of Winter Springs, FL and Jeff (Debbie)Bauer of Winter Haven and seven great grandchildren: Cameron and Brennen Howard, Tyler, Lucas and Brooke VanGrinsven and Logan and Rosina Jaskulski.

Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; parents: Michael and Kathryn Beilchick; brothers: Michael, John, Paul, Steve, and Ed Beilchick and sisters: Kate Novak, Marie Franklin, Anne Ratay, Betty Klamar and Sue Tomasko.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven.