Viola Anderson

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me”, this quote from the Bible was one of Greta “Viola” Anderson’s favorites, and a motto that she lived by. Viola was a life-long educator, who brought out the best in her students. She taught for an amazing thirty-nine years, even getting to know the grandchildren of some of her former students. She was a volunteer in church and the community, logging over 9,000 hours at the Kent Community Hospital. Most importantly, Viola was an exceptional sister, cousin and friend who was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her.

Born on February 5, 1916 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to John and Hannah (Hammerlind) Anderson, Viola was the elder of two girls. John and Hannah were Swedish immigrants who came to this country with the hope of a better future. One can imagine the thrill and excitement of seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time, in New York Harbor, on the way to being processed at Ellis Island. John and Hannah stressed the love of family to their two daughters. They were very resolved that Viola and Elsie should show love and respect to each other at all times. Viola and Elsie took their parents’ instruction to heart; the two were best friends and inseparable throughout the course of their lives. The two sisters attended school together, and it was in grade school that Viola changed her name, leaving the Swedish sounding name of “Greta” behind her.

After graduating from Union High School, Viola continued her education at Grand Rapids Junior College, Western Michigan University and the University of Colorado, before receiving her Masters in Education from the University of Michigan.

Viola found employment in Grand Rapids Public Schools, teaching at Harrison Park Elementary for thirty-three years. She taught some 1st and 2nd grades, but mostly Kindergarten. She later mentored kindergarten teachers another six years before retiring in 1976.

Bringing out the best in her students, Viola was a natural teacher. With her winning smile and cheerful demeanor, the students couldn’t help but love their teacher. Viola looked on teaching as a calling, always delighted to help each student develop his or her talents to the fullest.

Aside from teaching in the classroom, Viola also served on professional committees and boards. She was the chairman of the mathematics committee for one year and also chaired the committee that was instrumental in assembling and revising the Kindergarten plan book.

Even after retirement, Viola was recognized by former students, teachers and teacher’s aides whose lives she had touched so deeply. She also had the honor of becoming acquainted with the grandchildren of former students!

On top of her dedication to the profession of teaching, Viola was also active in her church, the First Evangelical Covenant Church. Not only did she teach Sunday School for many years, she also found time to manage the church library and serve on the board for Christian Education Committee and she served on the building committee when the church was relocated. Elsie also served at the church library, and together, the two sisters made the library an enjoyable place for children and adults alike. The children looked forward to the time spent with Viola and Elsie.

Viola and Elsie lived together most of their lives, first in a house on Valley for almost forty years, then on Oswego NW and in 2003, they moved into Covenant Village together. The two sisters had different strengths that complimented the other. Elsie was a very detailed person who was talented in financial matters. Viola was the more social of the two, she was also a critical thinker, the one who could analyze situations and come up with ways to help and support. They enjoyed traveling together, as well as all the volunteer work that they were involved in. They enjoyed working in the garden together, Viola - taking her cues from Elsie.

After Elsie’s death in 2004, it was difficult for Viola without her beloved sister, but she was determined to remain active and involved on her own. Viola kept in contact with all her relatives, as well as her many friends. She was an outgoing friendly person who started her conversations with a genuine, “Oh I’m so glad to see you!” People were drawn to Viola because of her sincerity and warmth. She was a generous and gracious person, giving gifts to those she loved with a full and open heart.

Viola was an exceptional person who throughout her lifetime shared generously of her time, her talent and her love. She brought out the best in others, not only in her students, but in her friends, relatives and colleagues. She was a dedicated Christian who through her daily living, hoped to lead others to Christ. Viola was a wonderful sister, cousin and friend who will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Greta Viola Anderson went home to be with her Lord and Savior May 13, 2009. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Elsie. Viola is survived by a host of cousins: Franklin and Evelyn Moxon, Marian and Oscar Carlson, Patricia Martin, Virginia and Maynard Anderson, Milton and Dorothy Moxon, Alice and Bob Nelson, Janet and Frank Vanderhyde, Ileen Hammerlind, Emma Hammerlind, Minglan and Sidney Wong as well as many second, third and fourth cousins. She was a longtime active member of First Evangelical Covenant Church where her funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 16 at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to First Evangelical Covenant Church to be used for enhancement for the hearing impaired. To share a favorite memory, or to sign the online register, please visit www.lifestorynet.com