Melinda ‘Mindi’ May Anderson Passons, 53
On Saturday, May 1, 2021, Mindi passed away unexpectedly from complications related to acute promyelocytic leukemia, with which she was diagnosed only the previous day. Her loss has sent shock waves throughout the valley and across the world.
Mindi was humble and unassuming. She did not strive for recognition or court shallow associations. Instead, she quietly loved and served all those with whom she interacted. As a longtime volunteer with the Bigfork Fire Department and Quick Response Unit, she served the community as a firefighter and EMT. Professionally, she spent 20 years working in the Emergency Room at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. One of her great passions was photography, and she ran a successful business that brought her into the lives of many local families. On a mission trip to Rwanda, she was so moved by the desperate state of women in that country that she co-founded a sewing school to teach prostitutes life and vocational skills that allow them to support their families and be self-reliant. Her ongoing work has led to multiple campuses and the transformation of countless lives.
She was sensitive and caring, but also had a sharp sense of humor. She was approachable, but did not suffer nonsense. She was a fierce and loyal friend. She counseled, encouraged and mentored many girls and women in our community. Only after her passing has the amazing extent of her impact become apparent, as social media has been flooded with the testimonies of those she has inspired.
Mindi was devoted to her husband, an outgoing, gregarious pastor, and her daughter, an active and beloved freshman at Bigfork High School, and was the silent foundation that has allowed them to flourish in their own pursuits.
Faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she can be held up as an example of what it really means to be a Christian — serving all without reserve, without judgment and without thought of reward. Her life will be celebrated in heaven as it is being celebrated here on earth. A native of Montana, Mindi has extensive family ties in the Flathead Valley.
She was preceded by her father, Allen D. Anderson and her grandparents Louis and Cleo Ray, and Leonard and Margaret Anderson. She is survived by her loving husband Randy, precious daughter Avery, devoted mother Bette Baker, as well as her sisters Melissa (Larry) Robinson, Marcella Anderson (Anthony and Luc) and her brother Alan Anderson (Xander). Mindi is also survived by her niece Danielle Chatterton, nephews Devin Chatterton and Dustin Knutson, great-nieces Briella and Paislee and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of Mindi’s life will be held at Rebecca Farm on Saturday, May 15, at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in her honor to the Mindi & CeCe Sewing School.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.