Carolyn Anderson

Carolyn Rose Anderson, 88, of Washington, IL passed away peacefully to her eternal home in heaven on October 24, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life.

Carolyn was born on August 20, 1937, in Houston, Texas to Clarence and Katherine Zipper and was so thankful to be raised in a loving home with her two sisters Barbara (Toby) Carlson and Bonnielyn (Bill) Witt.

She married Wallace (Wally) T. Anderson, Jr. on September 29, 1956, and they raised and cherished their three children: Kevin Anderson, Kirk (Debi) Anderson, and Kathy (Marty) Geber.  They were blessed with 64 years of marriage and more than a lifetime of great memories.

Once her three children were all in school, she got her degree in Interior Design from the Chicago Art Institute.  From 1966 to 1983 she worked as an interior designer for Martin Furniture in East Peoria.  In 1983, she founded Bloomin' Attic Florist in Washington which she owned and operated for 15 years.  Three years prior to selling Bloomin' Attic Florist in 1995, she founded Wonders of Wildlife Art Gallery in Washington and later moved out to the Metro Center and owned and operated for 7 years.  After the sale of Wonders of Wildlife, she went and got her brokers' license and sold real estate in central Illinois for 8 years before retiring at the age of 74.

In retirement, Carolyn and Wally enjoyed traveling, enjoying the outdoors, enjoying family and 2015 began wintering in Harlingen, Texas.

Despite her busy schedule she always had time for family, and we cherish the time we all enjoyed and the sacrifices she made for us all.

She was an avid golfer and a charter member of the Quail Meadows women's golf league.  She cherished her time with golfing friends, ski group friends, water aerobics friends, Harlingen Texas friends, Mahjong friends and her neighborhood association friends.

She was a devoted Christian and a woman of great faith.  She was an active and faithful member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Washington and was proud of the church and the special bond she had with so many.

We know she would want to thank those who cared for her at OSF St. Claire, OSF Cancer Care, and OSF Hospice Home.  She called them her angels.

She is survived by her sister (Bonnielyn), son (Kirk), five grandchildren Jacy (Ricky) Johnson, Katherine (Ryan) Sauder, Jake (Kelly) Anderson, Kyle (Jessica) Anderson and Kelly Anderson, five great grandchildren Riley, Jersey, Macey, Alexis and Wally who lovingly called her Grammy, and 8 nieces and nephews who lovingly called her Aunt Carrie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband (Wally), son (Kevin), daughter (Kathy), granddaughter (Breyn) and sister (Barbara).

Her funeral will be at 11:30 am on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Washington, IL.  Pastor Jack Wilcox will Officiate.  Visitation will be prior to funeral beginning at 10:00 am.  Family and friends are all invited to a luncheon at 12:30 at the church.  A private burial for family will be prior to the Visitation at Glendale Cemetery in Washington

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or the Kevin Anderson Memorial Fund which will go toward research for a cure for Glioblastoma.