Dr. Virginia A. Anderson

She passed away on March 11, 2013. Virginia graduated from Grosse Pointe South High School in 1956 and spent one year at the University of Michigan, where she met her future husband, Robert Anderson. They wed in 1957 and remained married for 52 years. Virginia moved to Portland in 1957 where she remained until her death.

After moving to Portland, she and her husband began a family which grew to five children. In 1966, Virginia returned to college at Portland State University where she completed three years of education in just two. Juggling a family of five, she graduated with honors. In 1969, Dr. Anderson began a 30 year career in the Parkrose School District. During that time she was a teacher, building principal and special ed. director. She earned her Master's Degree in Special Education and later earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration, both from Portland State University. Virginia retired in 1999. She was long-time member of First United Methodist Church. Dr. Anderson, or VA as she was known to many, was a tireless advocate of education. She wrote grants and started many programs that benefited youth in the Parkrose School District. Her passion was teaching and one of her favorite phrases was "you are only as good as your next lesson." In a time when women were often discouraged from professional aspirations, Dr. Anderson was a trailblazer in education. As a mother, she instilled in all her children a love of learning.

Many a day she could be seen on her favorite corner of the couch absorbing a mystery novel, which she read by the dozens every year. Her love of reading rubbed off on all of her children. Virginia's proudest accomplishment in her life was her own children - she was quick to brag to anyone who would listen about each of them.

Dr. Anderson was preceded in death by her husband and her brother, Custer; survived by five children, Kathy, Christy, Erika, David and Daniel; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Jacquelyn, Kellie Anne, Sterling, Jon, Juliet and Jeffrey; her brother, Ed Homeier; and sister, Linda Cotter. There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m., Monday, March 18 at First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson, Portland, Oregon