Barbara Marie Anderson

Barbara grew up in Brocton, N.Y. She represented her high school as a championship debater and was the valedictorian of Brocton Central School class of 1942. At age 19, she was employed by Pratt and Whitney at the Chevrolet plant in Buffalo, N.Y., as an inspector of pistons used in military aircraft engines that were flown during World War II.

When the war ended, Barbara married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Bradley Anderson of Portland, N.Y. They were married days short of 70 years when he passed away in 2015. They lived in Portland, Syracuse, and Utica, NY, as well as, Vista and Escondido, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz. Their final move was to Montgomery, Texas to be closer to their family.

In the 1950s, Barb supported Brad’s desire to become a full time cartoonist which created a great partnership throughout their lives. She was the business manager and secretary for her husband. In his book, “Marmaduke at 50”, Brad wrote that he was thankful to his wife for taking over the business office. He stated that “Thanks to her, I’ve been able to concentrate on making a living and doing the thing I enjoy doing the most-drawing cartoons.”

Barbara had a zest for life along with a positive and independent spirit that sustained her throughout her lifetime. She loved her companion cat, Chloe, entertaining family and friends, a nicely set table, proper etiquette, decorating for the Christmas holidays, and traveling throughout the United States and internationally.

She was a lifelong knitter, known for her baking skills, an enthusiastic fan of the Houston Rockets, and an active and proud member of the PEO organization. Above all else, Barbara was deeply devoted to her family and enjoyed each get together and family celebration.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children and their spouses: Christine and Rick Potchernick, Craig Anderson, Paul and Dorothy Anderson and Mark and Phyllis Anderson. Barbara loved being a grandma to her grandchildren: Lisa Castaneda-Faus (Salvador), Mateo Castaneda, Jeffrey Castaneda (Joani), Eric Anderson, Justin Anderson (Julie), Sara Granberry (Robert). She enjoyed her great-grandchildren: Sofia, Santiago and Zoe Faus, Caelum and Iverly Anderson, Jacob, Joel and Jeremy Anderson, Blake and Reece Granberry.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Donald Thompson of Bemus Point, N.Y., as well as other family and friends.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband; parents; and sister, Nancy Marion Jones, who was born and died in 1926.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on July 10, 2021, at the Portland Congregational Church, Portland, N.Y., to celebrate Barbara’s wonderful spirit. We will miss her dearly but our memories of our mother and grandmother will be in our hearts forever.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to: Shriners Hospital for Children-Galveston, 815 Market St., Galveston, Texas 77550.