Jean B (Bish) Anderson

Jean (Bish) Anderson, age 86, a resident of the Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg, went home to live eternally with her Lord and Savior on Monday after a long illness.  Born in Greensburg, PA to the late John M. and Nellie (Horne) Bish, Jean lived most of her life in Westmoreland County, in the areas around Greensburg and Apollo.

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband, Don; older brothers Bruce (Vivian) and Jack (Doris), and by her older sisters: Alice (Johnny) Atkinson, Helen (Walt) McClelland, Mary (Tony) Ranieri, and a special nephew, Terry Ranieri.

Jean is survived by sons Alan and his wife Connie of Duncansville, Ron and his wife Diane of Manlius, NY and Larry and his wife Sue of West Monroe, LA.  Jean was grandmother to Alan’s son Nathanael (Michelle) and daughter Nikki, (Mark) Mattson, Ron’s sons: Chris (Kendra) and Colin (Ashley), and Larry’s daughter Kara (Cody) Armstrong and son Matthew (Alyssa). She was great-grandmother to Alan’s grandchildren: Alexis, Aeriabella, Aria, Anya, and Evan, Ron’s grandchildren: Kacie and Kristin, and Larry’s grandchildren: Aria and Cayden.  The grandkids knew Jean as “Nan” or “Ma” and, as time and distance permitted, she invested in their lives through fun and games and storytelling.

Jean graduated from Greensburg High School in 1953 and was married two days later to her lifelong partner and soulmate, Don. During their 60 years of marriage, they made beautiful music together through their life-long devotion to each other and to singing duets.  As their sons came of age, they guided them towards lives filled with music.  Don, Jean and the boys performed at local events and churches in Western Pennsylvania as the Singing Anderson Family for many years.

Jean worked as a homemaker while raising her children but also worked as a Secretary for the Kenneth Sloan Insurance Agency in Apollo for many years. She was also active in area bowling leagues with Don, a pastime that they enjoyed together for many years. In addition, she was an avid softball and volleyball player, and her athletic prowess made her a valuable teammate during her many years of being an active and skilled participant. She and Don loved playing sports and later spectating at sporting events together throughout their lives, especially their favorite team, the Steelers.

Jean was passionate about her marriage and family, but the guiding principle in Jean’s life from 1973, when she accepted Jesus, until the day she departed her earthly body, was her Christian walk.  She was the epitome of someone who lived the abundant life referenced in John 10:10. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a vibrant spirit, and loved and lived life to the fullest.

There will be no public memorial service at this time. The family will hold a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presbyterian Village, 220 Newry St, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

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