05/30/2007: "Rae Case Anderson April 10, 1914 - May 11, 2007"

Born in a log house in Range, Oregon on April 10, 1914, Rae was the daughter of Mabel and Lou Case. Rae was practically born on a horse. She loved horses all her life as well as anything to do with nature. She spent her summers on her Dad’s E Quarter Circle Ranch, helping with the work of the ranch, riding and learning from her Mom, Dad and extended family.

Rae was formally educated in a 2 room school house where her teacher, Ray Baker, inspired her to dream, go to college and amount to something. After she finished the 5th grade, the family moved to Weston, Oregon, so her sister, Ruby, could go to high school. Rae loved school, especially math, and she was always best in her class.

In high school she played the piano for school plays and operettas. She was such a great student that she got the highest grades in the Inland Empire and was accepted at Whitman College when she was 17. Rae’s intention was to major in piano. However when told that part of the requirements for graduation was a voice recital, she walked over to the Chemistry department and registered there!

Rae earned the honor of Phi Beta Kappa her senior year. She applied to Columbia University for masters work in Chemistry. Six weeks later Columbia called to accept her into their program. When they discovered Rae was a woman, they declined their acceptance saying she would get married and have children. Having that door so swiftly closed, she turned to teaching chemistry, physics, geometry, and biology at East Stanwood High School. On her first day at East Stanwood she met Arnold T Anderson, who later became her husband of 63 years. Both painfully shy, it took awhile for them to get to know each other. Both enjoyed going to movies, fishing, dancing, and she accompanied him on the piano when he sang.

They married in November 1938 the same year Arnold started flying a Piper Cub. Rae became the chemist at the Sperry Flour Mill, using her skills to determine the specific uses of various flours. After Pearl Harbor, Arnold was hired as a pilot by Pan American World Airways and they moved to Miami, Florida.

The following years were rich in family life, travel, sailing, cooking, entertaining, gardening, and new adventures. Rae and Arnold raised three children, Roger, Kristine and Carolyn with their same keen interests in life and learning.

Retired in 1977 they moved from Long Island, NY to San Juan Island, where they built their dream home overlooking the Straits of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait and Victoria.

Both very active members of the San Juan Island Yacht Club since 1980, Rae was Treasurer for 3 years and Trustee for 3 years. Rae was treasurer of the Woman’s Study Club, involved in AAUW when it was on the Island, and tutored students.

She will long be remembered as a woman of great beauty, wit, wisdom, warmth, grace and intelligence. Integrity was her highest value and that’s how she lived. Rae’s beloved husband Arnold predeceased her in 2002, as did grandson Matthew in 1986.

She dearly loved all of her family and is survived by her three children: Roger (wife Rita) Anderson of Warenec, VA; Kristine (husband Kyle) King of Eugene, OR; Carolyn (husband Tom) Collins of Bellevue, WA. The four grandchildren are Kristin Collins Twigg and Emily Collins; Mark and Kyle King; Erika Anderson Spadaccini and Christopher Anderson. The three great-grandchildren are Macon and Madison Swartzwelder, and Annabelle Anderson. Many loyal and loving family and friends will greatly miss her.

A celebration of Rae Case Anderson’s life will be held at the San Juan Island Yacht Club on Saturday June 30, 2007 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Rae loved gardening with a passion, especially flowers which may be sent or brought to the “Celebration of Rae Case Anderson’s Life”.

The Family of Rae Case Anderson