Leona Adeline Anderson

Leona “Lee” Anderson of Arlington, Texas passed away on May 30, 2023. She was born in Cook County, Illinois where she grew up. She spent her childhood in Downer’s Grove, Illinois and graduated in 1956 from Downer’s Grove High School. She attended Northern Illinois University and later Northeastern Illinois University where she completed her BS in Education. Her MA and CAS were earned at National College of Education (National Louis University). She also worked as an executive secretary at Melray Manufacturing. Her true passion in life was teaching. She taught 4th grade at Our Lady of Grace School in Chicago in the early 60’s and at Elmwood Park, North Chicago High School level. She taught at Waukegan’s Jack Benny Middle School and High School for the bulk of her career. She also taught English part time at College of Lake County.

Lee Anderson had a tender heart for those who could not defend themselves, namely animals. She rescued Basset Hounds and Beagles. She was a patron of Guardian Angel Basset Rescue and Orphans of the Storm. She adopted and loved on many rescues over the years including, Lucky, Honey, Bear, Cloe, Kiwi and Cocoa.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Ray and Addy Girlock.

She is survived by her three daughters and their families. Gail and Bruce Tompkins, Donna and Phil Nuger and Susan and Chris McCracken. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Scott, Greg, Sandy, Adam, Jordan, Rebecca, Nicole, William, Michael and Heather. She was blessed to have 11 great grand children in her life including: Brooklyn, Bailey, Nate, Ansel, Stuart, Baby Tompkins due in August, Joshua, Issac, Levi, Caleb, Lucas, Noah and Liam.

In the days leading up to her passing Lee was surrounded with love and family.

The family would lie to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Texas Rehab Hospital in Arlington and the staff at Heart to Heart Hospice in Fort Worth for their compassion and kindness in Lee’s final days and hours.

A memorial will be held at a later date.