Myrna Joanne (Dolven) Anderson
June 29, 1932 ~ February 25, 2023
Myrna Joanne (Dolven) Anderson, age 90, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2023. Myrna was born in Harlem, Montana on June 29, 1932, to the late Carl Howard (“Cully”) Dolven and Ruth (Johnson) Dolven. Her father originally moved to Montana as a homesteader but later settled in Blaine County where he opened the first Chevrolet car dealership.
Myrna attended Harlem High School and the University of Montana in Missoula where she majored in English. It was there that she met her husband, Norman Duane Anderson, of Chinook, Montana. In June of 1955, immediately following graduation, they were married, honeymooning at Sperry Chalet, in Glacier National Park.
They resided in Kalispell, Montana for a brief period of time where Myrna taught middle school Spanish and French. After moving to St. Louis, Missouri, where her husband attended medical school at Washington University, Myrna began teaching high school English and French.
They moved again to Baltimore, Maryland, where Norman completed an internship and residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. This was followed by a year in Frankfurt, Germany where Norman was stationed as a military doctor in the Army. This afforded them a wonderful opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Upon returning to the states, they resided in Philadelphia for three years as her husband completed his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. They finally settled in Baltimore (Towson) where Norman spent the remainder of his career at Hopkins and where they ultimately raised their four sons. Despite the constant activity, Myrna always maintained a calm demeanor. Myrna returned to school and earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University. She enjoyed playing the piano, was an avid reader, and master of the daily New York Times crossword puzzles. She derived much enjoyment and relaxation from tending to her many beautiful flower gardens. She was an excellent bridge player and taught her sons how to play as well. She eventually joined a local bridge club in Towson which she belonged to for many years. Myrna enjoyed visiting her family members who lived in various states around the country. However, one of the most memorable trips of her life was to Norway and Sweden where she reunited with some of her very distant relatives. Myrna took several family members along with her, including some of her grandchildren. Myrna was a wonderful cook and she and Norman hosted many family backyard cookouts. We will always remember her delicious London Broils, homemade German potato salad, molasses crinkles and chocolate chip cookies. Myrna spent most of her final year living in McLean, Virginia where her son, Dr. Eric Anderson, personally supervised every aspect of her care, for which the family will be eternally grateful. Myrna will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Myrna is preceded in death by her parents, “Cully” and Ruth Dolven, one sister Bernice (“Bunny”) Beall, her husband Dr. Norman D. Anderson and her son Matthew J. Anderson (Cathy). She is survived by her sons, Dr. Stephen C. Anderson, (Kathy), of St. Petersburg, Florida; Dr. Bruce D. Anderson (Carrie) of Titusville, New Jersey and Dr. Eric D. Anderson (Dina) of McLean, Virginia, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Myrna attended Harlem High School and the University of Montana in Missoula where she majored in English. It was there that she met her husband, Norman Duane Anderson, of Chinook, Montana. In June of 1955, immediately following graduation, they were married, honeymooning at Sperry Chalet, in Glacier National Park.
They resided in Kalispell, Montana for a brief period of time where Myrna taught middle school Spanish and French. After moving to St. Louis, Missouri, where her husband attended medical school at Washington University, Myrna began teaching high school English and French.
They moved again to Baltimore, Maryland, where Norman completed an internship and residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital. This was followed by a year in Frankfurt, Germany where Norman was stationed as a military doctor in the Army. This afforded them a wonderful opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Upon returning to the states, they resided in Philadelphia for three years as her husband completed his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. They finally settled in Baltimore (Towson) where Norman spent the remainder of his career at Hopkins and where they ultimately raised their four sons. Despite the constant activity, Myrna always maintained a calm demeanor. Myrna returned to school and earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University. She enjoyed playing the piano, was an avid reader, and master of the daily New York Times crossword puzzles. She derived much enjoyment and relaxation from tending to her many beautiful flower gardens. She was an excellent bridge player and taught her sons how to play as well. She eventually joined a local bridge club in Towson which she belonged to for many years. Myrna enjoyed visiting her family members who lived in various states around the country. However, one of the most memorable trips of her life was to Norway and Sweden where she reunited with some of her very distant relatives. Myrna took several family members along with her, including some of her grandchildren. Myrna was a wonderful cook and she and Norman hosted many family backyard cookouts. We will always remember her delicious London Broils, homemade German potato salad, molasses crinkles and chocolate chip cookies. Myrna spent most of her final year living in McLean, Virginia where her son, Dr. Eric Anderson, personally supervised every aspect of her care, for which the family will be eternally grateful. Myrna will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Myrna is preceded in death by her parents, “Cully” and Ruth Dolven, one sister Bernice (“Bunny”) Beall, her husband Dr. Norman D. Anderson and her son Matthew J. Anderson (Cathy). She is survived by her sons, Dr. Stephen C. Anderson, (Kathy), of St. Petersburg, Florida; Dr. Bruce D. Anderson (Carrie) of Titusville, New Jersey and Dr. Eric D. Anderson (Dina) of McLean, Virginia, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
I’ve lived next door to Steve Anderson, Myrna’s oldest son, and his wonderful family for twenty-five years. I often had a chance to chat with Myrna when she came for a visit here in Florida. She was always very gracious to me and my family. We often enjoyed talking about flowers and plants. Sometimes we had a cute story to share about Katie or Caroline, as they were growing up. I especially remember Myrna’s kindness when I saw her a few months after my husband had passed away. She asked how I was doing, and she shared some wisdom that gave me needed comfort at the time. Rest in peace, Myrna. My prayers are with you and with the Anderson family. Judy Spivey
Although I met Myrna just a handful of times she made a lasting impression. She had a quiet intelligence about her. What a busy and unperturbed person she must have been in her younger years with four active boys and teaching as well! And what an achievement to raise her boys into talented, hardworking men who make the world a better place. Our hearts go out to our dear friend Steve, and to all the family.
Marika, Web and Julia Hull
I’ve been blessed with the friendship of the Anderson family since Katie and my son were toddlers. Over the years, I have enjoyed some wonderful conversations with Myrna during her visits with Steve, Kathy and family. Myrna and I developed a bond over those years, as we shared memories of long ago, as well as those that were in the making. Not only did Myrna share her life experiences with great passion, but was an intent listener as I shared mine with her. Myrna will always have a special place in my heart. I can’t say I have ever seen pics of a more joy-filled mother as she celebrated her 90th birthday with her loving family! May sweet memories bring you much comfort. With my heartfelt sympathy, Lori Brazis