Gloria Anderson

Gloria Anderson, 85, passed away on September 22, 2009. She was born on January 21, 1924, in Port Arthur, Texas. After growing up in Port Arthur and suburban New York, Gloria graduated Phi Beta Kappa in political science from the University of Alabama. She married Richard Anderson in February 1946. They moved to Kansas City in 1959 after Richard completed college, did a second stint in the Army and started a business career. Gloria was interested in public affairs and public service throughout her life. As a teenager she went door to door raising money for the Republican forces that were fighting against the fascists in the Spanish Civil War. In college she worked in a program that provided companionship for men who came back badly wounded in the war. Later she was very active in the League of Women Voters, where she helped draft the plan that lead to the creation of the Shawnee Mission School District. She also worked on numerous political campaigns. Gloria and Richard joined All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in 1963. They became founding members of the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church a few years later. Gloria remained active in the church for the rest of her life. Gloria and Richard were avid jazz fans, holding frequent jam sessions at their house that were attended by many of the top musicians from around the area. Gloria was an accomplished gardener. Her home was a stop on the Wellsley Garden tour in the early 1980s. She practiced organic gardening in the 1960s long before it became widely known. Gloria is preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and her brother Wright. She is survived by her sons Phillip and David. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to KCUR Radio, 4825 Troost, Suite 202, Kansas City, MO 64110. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 11 a.m. at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, 7725 W. 87th St., Overland Park, Kan.

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