Virginia Dare Anderson

Virginia Dare Hooks Anderson peacefully passed from this world on Sunday morning while at her home in Fremont. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dr. Conrad E. Anderson; her brother Charles Hooks, sister Elizabeth Lint, and sister Delores Howell; 4 children and their spouses: Stephen Anderson, Bradford & Kimberly Anderson, Bronna & Kendrick Lawrence, and Mitchell & Juliette Anderson; step-daughter Mildred Hooks; as well as her 10 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey, who died in infancy and step-mother Mildred Hooks.Virginia was born to Lester and Nora Hooks on June 2, 1921 in Black Creek, North Carolina. Her father was a farmer and raised tobacco. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in Black Creek. This love of education and learning would continue through her life and was reflected in her children and grandchildren.During World War II, Mrs. Anderson served her country as a worker at the Signal Corps Laboratory at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. During her time at Fort Monmouth, she met her future husband, an enlisted man in the Signal Corps, at a dance. Conrad and Virginia were married at Fort Monmouth on October 6, 1945. After the war, the Andersons moved back to Dr. Anderson's native Iowa in 1946, where he attended the University of Iowa and Virginia worked in a hospital to support Conrad as he worked towards his doctorate. After Conrad graduated from medical school in 1951, the growing Anderson family moved to Fort Howard, Maryland for his residency. In 1953, they moved to Fremont to start his practice. As their family grew, Virginia became known as a mother to more than just her own children. She was known to drive large groups of kids to swim practice, as well as other athletic events. Through the years, she ensured that her kids went to their practice and meets. She was also instrumental in her children's and grandchildren's education, ensuring that they all attended college. She took great pride in their athletic and academic successes. Virginia loved to travel and the Andersons traveled the world over, including Europe and South America several times. She was also an avid reader. Even when her sight failed, she was known to always have a book on compact disc at the ready. She was an amazing woman, known for her compassion, charity and sense of humor. She will be missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.Memorial services are to take place 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 10th at Centerville Presbyterian Church at 4360 Central Ave., Fremont.