Anderson, Eloise A. (Larsson), 99, March 27, 2015. A memorial service will be held June 19, 2015, in New Sweden. Arrangements by Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, Caribou.
NEW SWEDEN – Eloise A. (Larsson) Anderson, 99, passed away Friday, March 27, 2015, at Seal Rock Extended Care, Saco.
A native and longtime resident of New Sweden, she was born February 25, 1916, at home in the apartment above her family’s general store in Jemtland, the daughter of Axel W. and Ethel C. (Tall) Larsson.
After she lost her own mother at the age of two in the influenza epidemic, she was raised lovingly by her father and step-mother, Emma. She married Edmund Anderson, her beloved husband and life partner, on October 19,1945, and together they had four children.
Eloise graduated from Caribou High School in 1932 and completed her nursing studies at Cary Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as an R.N. in Boston for several years before returning to New Sweden to marry Edmund. She continued to practice nursing at Cary Memorial Hospital.
Eloise was a member of the New Sweden Covenant Church, serving as church organist and choir director for many years. An active member of the New Sweden Historical Society, she loved to serve as host at the museum where, with her husband, she greeted guests in Swedish and English. She was a member of New Sweden Extension and served as its secretary for many years. She served her community in many ways, providing first aid classes and first aid support, and playing piano at school and community functions. She succeeded her husband as the holder of New Sweden’s Boston Post Cane.
Eloise loved her family, welcoming each new grandchild with Swedish lullabies and early sessions with each one at the piano. Her cookie jar was always filled with spritz for them. She wrote her childhood memories of growing up in Jemt-land in a little booklet, Lilla Lovisa, for her grandchildren.
An avid reader, she loved crossword puzzles and word puzzles, even creating many of her own. She enjoyed gardening, skiing and knitting, crafting afghans for each of her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children and their spouses: Roger Anderson and his wife, Marilyn, of Kennebunk, Vonla (Anderson) Murdock and her husband, Jeff, of Raymond, Dottie Anderson and her husband, and Richard Balagur, of Thetford, VT; her daughter-in-law, Maureen Anderson of Hampstead, NH; grandchildren: Erin Lovejoy and her husband, Rob Poitras, Ryan Lovejoy, Becky, Jenny, Jamey and Katey Anderson, Eamon and Tyler Anderson, and Annie Balagur; two step-grandchildren, Ryan and Amy Murdock; great-grandson, Andrew Poitras; and step-great-granddaughter, Danielle Poitras. She is also survived by her sister, Natalie (Larsson) Silverness and her husband, Lars; and by many cherished nieces and nephews.
Eloise was predeceased by the love of her life, Edmund; her dear son, Donald; her sister, Evelyn (Larsson) Hedstrom; and her brother, Everett Larsson. Another sister, Letha, died as a young girl.
A memorial service will be held June 19, 2015, in New Sweden. Memorial donations may be made to the Covenant Church of New Sweden or to the New Sweden Historical Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lancastermorgan.com.
