Andersen, Lois P. Age 88 of Richfield, MN died on June 14, 2020 after a three-week battle with CoVid19. Greeting her with open arms is her beloved husband of 59 years, William "Bill" Andersen, her son Joe and son-in-law Russell Smith. Carrying on her legacy are her proud children, Mary Pat Smith, Beth (Scott Alpaugh), Paul (Karen Kooda), Martha (Dan Conners), Rob (Ann), Amy (Tony Baregi), and Sara (John Ince) (daughter-in-law), her cherished and well-loved grandchildren, Eric and Angie (Andie Mazorol) Andersen, Rachael Smith, Jeff (Tami) Alpaugh, Megan (Sam Beuch), and Zach Alpaugh, Nathan, Katie, Jeremy, Michael, Emily, and Maggie Conners, Bridget, Molly (Nathan Bittner), Tom (Catherine), and Will Andersen, Tony (Terese), Willy (Lauren) and Annie Baregi, and her treasured great-grandchildren, Ginnifer, Peyton, Elliot, baby-to-be Baregi and baby-to-be Beuch. Also survived by her brother Dale (Kathy) Hennessy, and many nieces, nephews and faithful friends. Born to William "Harry" and Edna Hennessy in Minot, ND on March 17, 1932 (Is there a better reason to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?) they moved to Minneapolis in 1941. Lois graduated from Roosevelt HS, attended the College of St. Catherine's and went on to work at Donaldson Dept Store where she not only was the Junior Dress buyer, but more importantly, met the love of her life, Bill. After years at home raising her children (and volunteering on numerous school, church and Archdiocesan committees), she found a second career as a Children's Librarian in Hennepin County. She was passionate about spreading her love of reading to little ones, and devoted many hours to helping improve the literacy of those in the community. While she enjoyed and excelled in her careers, her most treasured vocation was being a mom, grandma, and great-grandma. The consummate host, nothing pleased her more than being able to set a beautiful table and cook a delicious meal for her family and friends. She relished this time spent with family and friends, and any birthday, Feast Day or life event was cause for a party in her book. To honor Lois, we invite you to bake a pan of bars, invite friends over and read a book to a child. Memorials preferred to Assumption Catholic Church or Blessed Trinity Catholic School for their Library Fund. Due to CoVid limitations, a family only Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11am on Monday, June 29, 2020 at Assumption Catholic Church 305 E 77th St., Richfield, MN with burial to immediately follow. The mass will be live-streamed Monday morning. Directions to the live stream and a worship aid for the mass can be found on the Morris Nilsen website. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. The family would like to thank Brighton Hospice for helping us navigate mom's final days, as well as extend a very special thank you to Dr. Maas and his staff at Bluestone Physicians and the staff at The Commons on Marice, especially mom's very favorite aide, Shewaye, for the love, care and dignity they gave to her these last five years. Morris Nilsen Chapel 612-869-3226 morrisnilsen.com

Published on June 21, 2020