Obituary of Eleanor M. Anderson

Eleanor M. Anderson, 80, of State College, died Monday, January 7, 2019, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born March 9, 1938, in Hartford, CT., she was the daughter of the late Samuel J. and Rose E. Matus. On December 27, 1957, she married David A. Anderson, who survives. Also surviving is one daughter, Rebecca, and her husband, Donald "Toby" Baum of Gahanna, OH; two siblings, Irene Matus Waas and her partner Henry "Hank" Waas of Brewster, MA, Richard Matus of Bolton, CT; one grandson, Alex Baum; and her Sisters in-law Martha Musial of Hilton Head, SC and Linda Melanson of Manchester, CT. Eleanor graduated from Windsor High School (CT) in 1955, in the same class as her then boyfriend, David. Her proudest high school memory was being awarded "Best Female Athlete of the Year". Eleanor's business career started in 1957 as a clerk at Putnam and Company in Hartford CT where she was told she could not be a stock broker because that was not an acceptable position for a woman. She received an Associate degree from the Teachers College of Connecticut (now Central Connecticut State University) in 1957 and a BS in Accounting from West Virginia University in 1974. Eleanor was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1972. She continued practicing as a licensed CPA in State College until her passing in 2018. She shared a love for traveling with her husband and could proudly say that she had walked on all seven continents. Eleanor was an avid knitter, maker of Russian Easter eggs, and collector of tea cups, dolls and more. A long-time member of a local book club, Eleanor was an avid reader, loved to walk on the beach and spend time with family and friends at their log home. Eleanor was known by many as a lovely lady who loved life and lived it to its fullest. She cared deeply for her family and was a mother to many, whether it be as a Girl Scout leader, caring for her family, or mentoring a colleague. Always busy and active, she was a bundle of energy and joy. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Contributions in her name should be directed to the American Cancer Society, 1375 Martin St, State College, PA 16803. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.