July 31, 1941 – November 3, 2023
Deanna P. (Burley) Anderson, a resident of Reading for 75 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 3, 2023, at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington. She was 82 years of age.
Deanna was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on July 31, 1941, the daughter of the late Albert M. and Amy (Peterson) Burley. Deanna graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1959.
Deanna was full of life, she was an avid Red Sox fan, she enjoyed shopping, spending countless hours at Home Goods and Marshalls, decorating her house, loved going out to lunch and spending time with friends and playing the organ. But most of all, Deanna loved and took great pride in her family, always finding any excuse for a gathering with them. Deanna was a very generous and giving person. She would open her door to whoever needed help, a place at the table, or a listening ear. She never wanted anyone to be alone. She adored her seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and they adored her the same. To her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as the “Fun Granny” and a “Legend,” as she was often found running around the house chasing them, playing floor hockey, kicking a soccer ball around the backyard, or just making them laugh. She was the mother and grandmother that everyone wished they had. She will be deeply missed by all.
Deanna was the beloved wife of Gordon R. Anderson, with whom she had just celebrated 60 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Dean R. Anderson and his wife Kristine of North Carolina, Holly B. Stanieich and her husband Rob of North Reading, Jennifer D. Thomas and her husband Craig of Stoneham, and the late Nancy “Coach” Patterson, who was affectionately known as “The Eldest.” Cherished sister of Marsha Rosenthal and her husband Al of North Carolina, Ernie Burley and his wife Nancy of Florida, and the late Don Burley and his wife, Donna Burley of Pepperell. Loving grandmother of Brandon Anderson, Tyler, Amy and Joshua Stanieich, Spencer, Jared, and the late Perry Thomas. Loving great-grandmother of Aubrey and Clyde Thomas. Deanna will also be remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Deanna’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl Memphis TN 38105. stjude.org
