Wanda Anderson Aug. 18, 1924-Aug. 18, 2012

(Aug. 31, 2012- by Harold Goerzen) For nearly 65 years Wanda Anderson was a fixture at the side of her husband, Dr. Ted Anderson. But her second love was Ecuador as the couple traveled to that country more than 20 times in about 20 years-mostly in the 1970s and 1980s-when "Dr. Ted" served on HCJB Global's candidate committee and/or board of trustees.

"Wanda would always come with her husband to Quito in September for board meetings and the annual members' meetings," explained HCJB Global retiree Doug Peters. "They also brought many friends to Quito on vision journeys, and they always had missionary staff stay at their home when traveling through the area."

Wanda Elaine (Blake) Anderson of Rochester, N.Y., died on her 88th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 18, surrounded by many family members who "sang her into heaven" as she quietly passed away. The cause of death was respiratory failure, but she had also been diagnosed with leukemia a few months ago.

Ed Giesbrecht, a missionary at the HCJB Global Ministry Service Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., said he has "many wonderful memories of ministry with Wanda Anderson. While Dr. Ted was busy interviewing missionary candidates from a medical and psychological point of view, Wanda was in the background, helping my wife, Sue, and Shirley Marland with hospitality issues and the preparation of food for the candidates."

Wanda and 'Dr. Ted' married in 1947.

"She was well organized, very capable and heartfelt in her desire to help missionary candidates prepare for effective and joyful service," Giesbrecht related. "She affected many lives through her cheerful and selfless service. HCJB Global had a special place in her heart, and she treated our missionaries like 'her kids.' She leaves a special legacy."

Former HCJB Global President Ron Cline concurs, describing Wanda as "an amazing woman. Her gifts in hospitality were exceptional. We have stayed with them many times and I have never seen her ruffled by anything. She was a wonderful woman who loved and supported her husband 100 percent and loved her kids totally. She will be missed."

Wanda helped rear six children of her own-Mark, Tim, Sharon, Dan, Jon and David. "Wanda also loved the growing family of 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who came through the next several decades," stated her obituary, read at the memorial service at Browncroft Community Church in Rochester on Wednesday, Aug. 22. "She loved the babies and every stage they went through. She always encouraged the faith walk in her own children and their families."

Born in Warren, Pa., Wanda grew up in Rochester and pursued a nursing degree at Russell Sage College in Troy, N.Y., combining her dual passions to pursue science and care for people. The first week she was in college, she met Ernest T. Anderson who was in Albany Medical School.

Dr. Ted and Wanda Anderson in 1992.

Their marriage on Sept. 20, 1947, marked the beginning of a full, impactful life as the couple focused on the family, church, missions and doctoring.

After working at the VA Hospital in Bath, N.Y., and a poor Appalachian coal mining area in eastern Kentucky, the Andersons moved back to Rochester to set up a clinic and get involved in Browncroft Community Church.

In addition to serving as deaconess and a deacon, Wanda and Ted were heavily involved in missions and Bible studies at the church. Wanda also started the church's efficient infant nursery program.

In recent years, failing health forced Wanda to change her independent lifestyle and rely on others to help her in many ways. "Despite many physical problems, Wanda's sweet disposition and upbeat attitude continued," the obituary stated. "She trusted God day by day and looked to Him for strength. When she met an obstacle or difficulty she would say, 'God knows this too.'"

"Wanda was a practical, down-to-earth person who expressed her devotion to God by the way she served others," added Peters. Dr. Ted, 91, continues to work as a physician at his medical practice four mornings a week.

Sources: HCJB Global, The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle