Virginia M. Anderson

Virginia M. Anderson, 97, of Red Wing, died Wed. Dec. 21, 2011 at St. Brigid's at Hi-Park. She graduated from Red Wing Central High School and went on to receive her teacher's certificate from Winona State Teachers' College in 1932. Her teaching career started in the towns of Madelia, Slayton and Two Harbors before coming to St. Paul in 1944. She taught at Linwood Park School for 7 years and helped teachers in all areas of elementary curriculum for 5 years. She attended the University of Minnesota and received her MA degree in 1957, at which point she was made Principal of Sheridan School, where she retired from in 1977. She completed 40 years of dedicated service to education. Virginia had been active in many teachers associations, including Pi Llamba Theta Honorary Society, was past president of St. Paul Principals Association, and in 1977 was presented with an honorary National PTA life membership. In 1971 she received the WCCO Good Neighbor Award. Virginia married her husband, Royal Courtland Anderson on Nov. 6, 1947 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Red Wing. Later in life, they returned to Red Wing, where they resided at the Fairview Downtown Plaza. For over 22 years they traveled to and wintered in Hawaii. Courtland died June 13, 2007.

She is survived by cousin, Jean Emerson of Spring Valley and her sons, Robert and William Emerson and cousin, Jean Johnson of Hager City, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her husband.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel with Reverend Jon Becker officiating. Burial will be at Cannon Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred to Fairview Red Wing Hospice or Faith in Action.