Gene Ann Anderson of Westhampton Beach died, surrounded by her family on April 20, 2022, of cancer. She was 84.
Survivors said throughout her illness she maintained a positive attitude and enjoyed the time she was able to spend with her family and friends.
In 1957, Gene and Louis F. Anderson married. The couple raised three children, Peter, Timmy and Ginger, in Pelham. Upon her husband’s retirement from the Pelham Police Department, the family moved to Westhampton Beach to be close to her parents, Queenie and Red Mattson. Anderson, once a telephone operator, became a devoted homemaker who loved her little family, survivors said. She was always working to make the home comfortable and welcoming for everyone. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, refinishing furniture, and gardening. On her downtime you could find her basking in the sun poolside on her favorite float.
Anderson was a creative soul who was a self-taught folk art painter. She loved to use craft acrylic paint on rocks, wooden plaques and boxes. She created country scenes that were reminiscent of Grandma Moses. Many of her art hangs in homes across Long Island from her craft fairs and art shows. Her art was given as birthday party favors and gifts to all those she loved.
She was an active woman who enjoyed physical activity and took pride in looking younger than her years. Every morning she could be seen walking her dog through the Village of Westhampton Beach. Her morning walks allowed her to enjoy the beauty of her hometown as she met and socialized with people along the way.
The Twin Fork Red Hat Society had a proud member in Anderson. Over the years, she and her daughter, Ginger, designed many Red Hat floats for the Westhampton Beach St. Patrick’s Day parade, as well as the Fourth of July parade in Southampton. She embodied the concept of the Red Hats, aging with fun and festivities. She truly cherished the wonderful friends she made through this organization. Her favorite quote was: “Powder and paint make you what you ain’t!”
Survivors said she loved people, was always up for a good laugh, and was never one to stand on the sidelines. She loved to laugh, had a wonderful sense of humor, would jump at the chance for fun. She was always willing to put herself into a costume for a joke and enjoyed a party to its fullest.
A snowbird, Anderson and her companion of 26 years, Sal, had just returned from Stuart, Florida. While there she enjoyed spending time with her friends. Sunshine, poolside and time with the casserole ladies — she was grateful she had one last visit with them all.
She had immense pride in her children’s accomplishments, speaking of them frequently, and sharing their joy and happiness as her own.
Survivors include her companion, Sal Misiano; her brother, Tom Mattson and wife Norma of Greenport; her sister, Bette Carter and husband Harry of Colorado; her son Pete Anderson and wife Anne of Westhampton; her daughter Ginger and husband Chris Baer of Riverhead; her grandchildren Kelly, Maggie, Heather, Timmy and Chris; and her eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis “Burt,” and son, Timmy.
Services were held at Werner-Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach on April 23. Burial was at Westhampton Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance.
Staff Writer on Apr 28, 2022