Marjorie Jean Anderson, 86

Marjorie Jean Anderson, passed away April 12, 2015, in Gig Harbor, Washington, at Cottesmore of Life Care Center. She was 86.

Marjorie was born in Kalispell to Sophus and Hazel (Quick) Anderson. She attended grade school and high school in the area. Marjorie then went to the University of Montana where she was a member of, and president, of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She received her bachelor's degree from Montana State University in 1951. She received her master's degree in education from Eastern Washington University (Cheney, Washington) in 1963.  

Early in her career, Marjorie taught at Flathead County High School and Eastern Washington State College. The majority of her career was spent at Gonzaga University in Spokane where she is remembered as “the birth mother to women's athletics.” During her time at Gonzaga, she played a significant role in forming the Pine League as well as overseeing the Naiad's synchronized swim team. She was instrumental in structuring the Northwest College Women's Sport Association (NCWSA). She served as president of the NCWSA in 1978. Marjorie retired from Gonzaga in 1986 after holding the position of physical education chairperson for many years.

Marjorie was a member of PEO in Cheney. She was also an active member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Marjorie was a devoted wife and mother. She married her husband Bob of 57 years on Dec. 27, 1950. She and Bob enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their lake property in northern Idaho.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert B. Anderson; her parents; and her sister, Shirley Craiglow.

She is survived by her children, Robert B. Anderson Jr. and Ellise of Washougal, Washington, and Kathryn Snider and Keith of Gig Harbor, Washington; her sister, Barbara Shern, and Richard, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; four grandchildren, Richard Snider and Jaime, Jacob Snider and Yolanda, Larissa Anderson, and Christopher Anderson; as well as two great-grandchildren, Allison and Michael Snider. She is also survived by three nephews and their families.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on May 16, at Forest Cemetery on Government Way in Coeur d'Alene. A reception will follow at the Coeur d'Alene Convention Center, 115 S. 2nd St., Coeur d'Alene. Family, friends, former co-workers and students are welcome to attend.