Martha McGarrahan Anderson, 76, formerly of Warwick, died peacefully in Portland, OR, on September 10, 2016. Martha was the beloved wife of Donald Anderson.
Born in Providence on June 12, 1940, she was the daughter of the late John B. and Madeleine (Donahue) McGarrahan. Martha grew up in Warwick and graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School. After working in Rhode Island for several years, she married Donald Anderson of Cranston and the two moved to the West Coast where they raised their family. Over the years, the Andersons lived in various parts of California. Once the children were independent, Martha and Don moved to Jupiter, FL, and then to Green Valley, AZ. This past spring they moved to Portland where their adult children reside. Throughout her life, Martha was known for her artistic creativity and her quick-witted “McGarrahan” sense of humor. An avid reader, she always had a floor-to-ceiling bookcase full of her only very favorite books. Martha was kind, generous, and very devoted to her family.
Along with her husband, Martha is survived by her daughters Heather Anderson, Heidi Anderson, and Tiffany (Michael) Yandt, by her son Donald (Lin) Anderson; and five grandchildren, all reside in the Portland area. Her surviving siblings include John B. (Arlene) McGarrahan of Cranston, Fred (Pat) McGarrahan of Brevard, NC, Madeleine (Robert) Maher of Warwick, Susan (Donald) Mycroft of Tacoma, WA, Sister Jane McGarrahan, RSM of Pawtucket, and Peter (Alice) McGarrahan of Centennial, CO. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dolores Bartoszewicz of Warwick, and many nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by her parents; and by her brother Stephen McGarrahan and his wife, Deb of Long Beach, CA.
A private memorial and celebration of her life was held this past weekend in Warwick and Narragansett. A West Coast celebration will take place in the Redwoods Forest at a later date.
