Carolyn Anderson

Carolyn Anderson, 63, of La Plata, Maryland passed away in her home of natural causes on March 7, 2025. Born November 7, 1961, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Victor and Anna Lepere. Carolyn was the youngest of five children in her family, raised in the small, coal-mining town of Minersville, PA. She was educated in both Catholic and public schools in Minersville, where she graduated from Minersville High School in 1979. She was involved in many activities, including National Honor Society, Softball, church choir, and Cheerleading. Carolyn was Valedictorian of her graduating class. Carolyn earned a Bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Education, and was a graduate of the inaugural Penn State Scholars Class of 1983. While attending Penn State, Carolyn was a dedicated and widely-respected Residential Assistant, a representative in Student Government, a member of the Golden Key Society, and enjoyed ice time with the Skating Club. She was a straight-A student, and graduated summa cum laude in Rehabilitation Education. It was there that she met Nils, the love of her life. Their time at Penn State was filled with long walks, pizza, backgammon, and working together on the same RA staff. Carolyn and her husband, Nils, became engaged on graduation day, and they were married on November 19, 1983 at Penn State. Carolyn gave birth to three wonderful sons: Michael, David, and Nils James, and was a caring, loving, mother, nurturing their talents, being a fierce advocate for them, as well as keeping them in line! She raised her boys to be independent, achieving, caring, and loving men. Possessing a radiant smile, a gentle warmth and wit, and great talent for listening, Carolyn made everyone feel welcome and at ease. Her Catholic faith was important in raising her children, instilling a strong faith in Christ, and faithful acts in their everyday lives, volunteering, giving and serving others in need. Carolyn worked nights, and sometimes two jobs, as well as being a fulltime mom, to help make ends meet in a young, growing family while they resided in Springfield, PA from 1987 to 1996. She kept the house in order, inspired her children to succeed in school. She made every penny count, meticulously keeping financial records, religiously clipping coupons, and sacrificing personal amenities to save for her family’s future. She handmade gifts for teachers, created hand-painted stencil border artwork in every room, crafted beautiful crewelwork Christmas ornaments, stockings, and other family decorations. She could always be found crocheting beautifully original design blankets and scarves for family, friends and strangers, especially to celebrate newborn babies and weddings. When the family moved to La Plata, MD in 1996, Carolyn continued to dedicate her life to support her boys’ scholastic and extracurricular endeavors as well as being a devoted and loving wife. Carolyn and Nils did everything together: raising their boys, maintaining a loving home, supporting family and Church, attending Penn State football games, and lovingly growing old together. A devout Catholic, she regularly attended Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport. Carolyn was active in the community and the Church, supporting social ministries and neighbors, helping maintain parish records, serving at the Good Shepherd Food Pantry, and volunteering for school functions. She continued working while living in La Plata, notably at Simpson’s Store, the Maryland Pre-Release Unit in Charlotte Hall, and Southern Maryland Tri-County Energy Assistance. Carolyn donated her time and talents to charitable causes such as Angel Baby Blankets, Locks of Love, and Meals on Wheels. She prayed the Rosary daily, possessing a heart of gold, the faith of a saint, and a love of the Catholic Mass and regularly receiving the Sacrament of Communion. Her health waned after contracting COVID and other ailments, but her devotion and love to her family and God remained strong. She continued her crocheting and crewelwork despite physical challenges, always delighting in the gift of giving. The birth of Carolyn’s grandson brought her special joy and happiness. She treasured and relished every minute she spent with him, in person and through many regular FaceTime video calls. Carolyn was preceded in death by her son, Michael, her parents, Anna and Victor Lepere, and her brothers Richard and Thomas Lepere. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Nils A. Anderson, two children: David C. Anderson and wife Carol, and Nils J. Anderson and wife Caselyn Shane; siblings: Victor Lepere and wife, Joy, David Lepere, and Mary Ann King and husband, Steve; Sister-In-Law Donna Schaefer; many other loving, caring nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her “sweet” grandson Michael Bruce Anderson. A viewing for Carolyn will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Raymond Funeral Service in La Plata, MD from 4 pm to 7 pm. A funeral Mass will be held for Carolyn on March 18, 2025 at St. Mary’s Newport Catholic Church from 10 am to 11 am where she will also be interred. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Charles County Scholarship Foundation in the name of Michael J. Anderson Memorial Scholarship, 5980 Radio Station Road, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; or to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry at St. Mary’s Newport Catholic Church, 11555 St Mary’s Church Rd, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.

Carolyn Anderson

November 7, 1961 - March 7, 2025