COTTAGE GROVE - Susan P. Anderson, age 77, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on Jan. 28, 1947, in Madison, the daughter of Ray and Helen (Dahl) Pavlak.

Susan graduated from Deerfield High School in 1965 and received her bachelor’s degree in teaching from UW-Whitewater. At the age of 14 years old, Susan met Nolan Anderson, who would become the love of her life. They married six years later on July 22, 1967, and formed an unbreakable union that would last over 56 years. Susan worked as a special education teacher for LaFollette High School. She poured her passion for education and helping others into her work. She was a strong advocate for her students to assist them with integration into the community and taught them life skills in both a school setting as well as the outside world.

Susan was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cottage Grove. She was an artistic spirit, and loved being surrounded by tasteful, country-themed design. She was an avid quilt collector, a talented decorator, and loved creating hand-made cards using stamping tools and accessories. Susan was an amazing cook and baker. Her soup recipes and delicious desserts were unmatched and could not be replicated by those who attempted.

Susan’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She loved being surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family. She was a big personality, and encouraged those around her to be boisterous and laugh. Her favorite thing to do was host holiday gatherings. She welcomed everyone into her home during the holidays, whether you were immediate family, extended family, or a friend who didn’t have anywhere to go. Susan was also a very generous caretaker to her own parents during the later years of their lives. She and Nolan moved into the lower level home of her parents (Ray and Helen) to visit and take care of them until their passing. An infectious smile, a gentle touch, and kind words was something you could always guarantee during an encounter with Susan P. Anderson.

Susan is survived by her husband of 56 years, Nolan; son, Eric (Kim) Anderson; daughter, Kirsten (Ryan) Thiel; grandchildren, Langdon Thiel, Dayton Thiel and Owen Anderson; sister, Mary Hubbard; and nieces and nephews, Jennifer, John, Susan and Robert. She was preceded in death by parents, Ray and Helen; brother, John (Janet) Pavlak; and brother-in-law, Tom Hubbard.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. A celebration of life will be held at the funeral home from 2:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Susan's name to Association of Frontotemporal Degeneration (theaftd.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Susan P Anderson

January 28, 1947 - March 21, 2024

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