Connie Sherman Anderson

Sept. 28, 1928-July 19, 2017

Connie Anderson, 88, died July 19, 2017, at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer, with loving family members attending to her every need.

Connie was born on Sept. 28, 1928, in Omaha, Neb. Her parents were Corneil A. and Elizabeth “Betty” Sherman.

In 1945, Connie first came to Alaska to join her father, Corneil “Con” Sherman at Northway, Alaska, where he engineered the bridge at Northway. Her family eventually settled in the Farmer’s Loop area of Fairbanks.

Connie attended and then graduated from Lathrop High School. She sang for the USO in Fairbanks during the end of World War II. Her mother, Betty, accompanied her on the piano. Connie’s voice would also be broadcast on KFAR radio, singing songs of that era. Kat Lathorp’s station introduced her as “The Golden Voice of the Golden Heart City.”

Connie attended University of Alaska Fairbanks and soon after met the love of her life, John Anderson. The couple married shortly after and they moved into veterans housing in Anchorage. As their family grew, the Andersons bought a home in Spenard and they raised six children.

“We were so blessed to have amazing and loving parents that really knew children. Our mother always said it was love at first sight when she met our father. Together, they were living a testament of real love,” her family said.

Connie held a variety of jobs throughout her life. She worked a modest job at Piggly Wiggly as a young woman. Later she worked as a bail bondsman, insurance agent, shareholder liaison for Cook Inlet Region and energy assistance coordinator at the Cook Inlet Tribal Council.

“She was a remarkable woman and solely provided for her family after being widowed in 1972. Connie Anderson was an exemplary mother, wife, daughter, sister and human being. She taught her children to always see the best in all situations and people. Positive thinking and spirituality enveloped her entire being. She was always physically and emotionally present for her family and friends. She encouraged everyone she met, and was as solid and loyal as a person could ever be. She was a wonderful mentor to her children and she encouraged them to pursue music, think of others and be good citizens. Connie had a fantastic sense of humor and she would always bring joy to those who needed it most. She truly was unforgettable,” her family said.

She was preceded in death by her father, Corneil “Con” Sherman; mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Sherman; husband, John H. Anderson; son, John C. Anderson; sister, Gloria L. Bodnar; brother, Harry A. Sherman; and many others.

Connie is survived by her five children and their families: Richard W. Anderson of Homer; Amelia and Gerald Cameron of Anchorage; Polly, Joe and Matthew O’Malley of Homer; Allen and Shannon Anderson of Wenatchee, Wash., and Constance “Cea” Anderson of Palmer; and many other relatives.