Shirley A. Williams (Dodd) Anderson, 78, of Woodridge, IL and for the past seven years, Lombard, IL was born on October 22, 1946.  Shirley suffered with Parkinson’s disease for the past 12 years.  She passed away in the early morning of January 6, 2025 at her residence at Beacon Hill Lifespace Community in Lombard, IL.

She was predeceased by her husband Dale Anderson and her parents Fred and Valada Williams.  Shirley was born in San Diego, CA where her father was stationed and deployed to Japan while serving in the US Navy.  Upon return from Japan to San Diego, the family then moved to Evansville, IN after her father’s retirement from the US Navy.  Shirley spent her early years in Evansville, going to elementary school, Evansville High School and received her BA in Education from University of Evansville.  She found a position with Downers Grove School District #58 after graduating and moved to Downers Grove, IL.  She taught in Downers Grove until her retirement, teaching kindergarten, first, second and fifth and sixth grades.  She loved her teaching career and was active on many district committees, the DGEEA, and building committees at Pierce Downer and later Fairmount School (where she spent the major part of her career.)  She received her Masters degree while teaching in Downers Grove.

Shirley was previously married, but met her lifelong love Dale Anderson, who also worked in Downers Grove District #58 teaching math at Herrick Jr. High.  Shirley and Dale married in 1985 and remained together 31 years until Dale’s Passing in 2016.  Shirley is survived by several cousins in the Evansville, IN area.

Shirley and Dale had a rich life together while teaching.  Shirley loved attending all the music and jazz performances Dale was involved in.  Shirley had many hobbies.  She was an avid golfer and loved cooking, entertaining, reading and playing cards.  She and Dale loved traveling to many parts of the world.  They both were strong SOX fans and attended many preseason openers down in Arizona.  When Shirley and Dale retired, Dale took up woodworking-designing and building furniture and Shirley assisted in helping stain and hand-paint many design features on furniture he built.  She was a talented and creative painter of many of her own works.  They had a small business “Cottage Keepers” in Lisle where they sold their furniture and hand-painted items until Dale passed away.  They both loved their dogs Ellie and Bertie who were faithful lifelong family to them.

Shirley moved to an independent unit at Beacon Hill community in Lombard, IL where she continued enjoying her hobbies, developing new interests and making new friends.  As Parkinson’s progressed, Shirley was supported by loving caregivers and her dear friends until her passing.  Shirley passed peacefully in her sleep, knowing she was loved and well-cared for.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  At Shirley’s request, no wake or viewing will be held.  A private celebration of life will be honored among her closest friends.  Feel free to share your remembrance of Shirley on the website of Hallowell & James Funeral Home.

If you wish to make a gift in Shirley’s name, you may donate to a favored charity of Shirley, the Christian Appalachian Project at www.christianapp.org which supports children and families in Appalachia area of the United States with children’s educational programs, housing, food and social services.  This area has been dramatically hit with the tornadoes and flooding of the past summer and fall.  Or Mercy Home in Chicago which provides housing, programs and educational services to homeless youth in Chicago.  Mercy Home website is www.mercyhome.org