Debra L. Anderson

MADISON/PORTAGE-Debra L. “Debbie” Anderson, age 60, died on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at home surrounded by family, after a brave two year battle with cancer.  She was born on October 4, 1953, in Madison, the daughter of Stanley and Viola Olson.  Debbie married Tom Anderson in 1974.  She had the prettiest blue eyes he'd ever seen. Debbie graduated from Madison East High School in 1971 and from Madison Area Technical College in 1978 with an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene.  She worked as a dental hygienist for 34 years, the last 20 with Dr. Darryl Veit and Associates in DeForest.  Debbie was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison.  She loved to garden, visit her daughters, exercise, travel and spend time at the family cabin in St. Germaine.  Debbie also loved to help others and volunteer in the community.  She is survived by her husband, Tom; two daughters, Lindsey (Diny) Hurwitz of Whitefish Bay and Brooke (Nate) Tiziani and future grandson of Milwaukee; her parents of Madison; a sister, Sandy (Steve) Thomas of Madison; and many dear nieces and nephews.  A Memorial Service honoring her life will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, with Pastor John Swanson presiding.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.  A private family burial will take place at a later date at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. In lieu of flowers, Debbie requested that memorials be made to Bethel Horizons, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, Wis., 53703.  Debbie’s family wishes to thank Dr. Anne Traynor and Dr. Toby Campbell of the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Michael Fiore of the University of Wisconsin and Dr. Ramaswamy Govindan of the Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, for their care, treatment and support during her illness.  Debbie fought hard with her husband, Tom, of 40 years by her side and never lost hope.  She loved her family, future grandson, friends, patients, and her flowers.  Debbie had a zest for life and will be greatly missed.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.