Lois Ann Anders

Lois Ann (Brinsfield) Anders was born Jan. 14, 1946, in Hartford, to Roy and Marion Brinsfield, both preceded her in passing. Lois left this world on Dec. 17, 2017, at her home in Hartford.

On March 7, 1964, she married Melvin L. Anders. Nov. 4, 1965, brought their first child, James L. Anders, and then on March 19, 1967, their daughter, Pamela K. Anders joined the family. Being a mother is something she cherished. She was an amazing stay-at-home mom. Lois was old fashioned and modest. A hot breakfast before her children went to school and dinner on the table when Mel arrived home was something she felt strongly about.

As much as she loved being a mom, she loved even more being “Nana” to Marco Hernandez, Matthew Hernandez and Kayleigh (Anders) Hernandez. She carried on the traditions of breakfast before school and a solid bed time. She adored her grandchildren; she had such a special bond with each one.

Things got even sweeter for her when she became a great-grandmother to Melody, Logan and Jazmin.

Lois was the constant caregiver. She was a nurturer and that was what made her so special to everyone. If you needed a place to stay and she had room, you were always welcome. Rather than live on her own with her family, she and Melvin, with their children, lived with and took care of her mother until her passing in 1995.

Lois was wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and “Aunt Loie” to the dozens of nieces and nephews that have been so blessed to have her in their lives. She loved being surrounded by all of her kids. She was not only their aunt, but for most, she was like another parent.

Lois was sentimental. It wasn't things that cost a lot of money that meant the most to her, it was the little things, a note, a card or even a little flower picked by one of the kids. Those are things that were invaluable to her.

Lois is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sisters, Sue (Mike) Downey of Hartford, and Delores (Tom) Sullivan of Arizona. Lois was very close to her brother-in-law, Mike, and referred to him as "My Mikey." She is also survived by brothers, Pat (Paula) Roush and Bill Hunt, both of Hartford; by her in-laws that she loved dearly: Bill (Sharon) Anders, Charlie Anders, James (Michelle) Anders, Faye (Tony) Summerhill, Patty (Junior) Whittker and Nick (Karen) Anders.

Lois was preceded in passing by the love of her life, Mel. Also preceding her were her parents; her grandson, John; sisters: O'Neita Brinsfield, Glenda Widner and Mary Alice Brinsfield; her brothers: Dale Brinsfield, Kenny Brinsfield, Bobby Brinsfield, James "Butch" Hauweghen and Gary Hauweghen; brother-in-law, Eddie Anders; and her mother and father-in-law, Nora and William Anders.

Times have changed and the world moves fast, but those whose lives have been touched by Lois still feel that old fashioned love and nostalgia for a simpler time. Love the small things and cherish who and what you have, because ultimately that is what matters.

The family will welcome friends from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where the service will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lois' name may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.