Bernadette Anderson

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Anderson Bernadette Anderson 5/21/1932 - 10/7/2003 Bernadette Anderson, well-known community activist and lifelong resident of Minneapolis, MN, passed away October 7, 2003, at the age of 71. The third of six daughters born to Leland and Lillian Early, Bernadette established an outgoing personality at an early age. As a young mother of six children, she became actively involved in school-related issues. She was a longtime volunteer member of the PTA, and worked in the Minneapolis Public School system as a social worker's assistant. Later, she joined the staff of the YWCA where she served as Director of Youth Programs and Teen Club. With only a high school diploma, Bernadette decided to return to school for targeted core study course. She attended the University of Minnesota where she earned a Certificate of Completion in Organizational Management. After 22 years of service, Bernadette retired from the YWCA and became more active on local boards and task forces. She has been the Chairperson of the KMOJ Board of Directors, President of the Minneapolis Urban League Guild, and a member of the Phyllis Wheatley Center's Board of Directors. When an opportunity came up to work directly with youth, Bernadette took advantage of it. She enrolled in the Minneapolis Urban League's Seniors In Community Service Program, and took on a position with the League's Street Academy Alternative School. There she coordinated the school lunch program and enjoyed her interactions with the students. Bernadette's passion for life and for living it to the fullest was what endeared her to so many. She was an impassioned advocate who could always be found championing whatever cause was aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of African Americans. Although she was a force to be reckoned with most of the time - always forthright when it came to doing battle with elected officials, she was also a nurturing mother who often opened up her home to youth who were in trouble. Bernadette is survived by her former husband, Fred L. Anderson, Sr.; sons, Fred (Dianna) Anderson, Jr., Edward Anderson, and Andre (Tanya) "Cymone" Anderson; daughters, Sylvia Payne Loveless, Patricia Anderson, and Linda Anderson; sisters, Lillian Strader, Carlotta Smith, and Constance Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; sisters, Barbara Ethridge and Jacqueline Olin. The wake for Bernadette Anderson will be held on Friday, October 10 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Estes Funeral Chapel, located at 2210 Plymouth Avenue North in Minneapolis. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, October 11, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2519 Lyndale Ave N. in Minneapolis.

Published on October 10, 2003