Lillian Andersen

 

On October 26, 2021, Lillian Elizabeth Andersen (nee Murphy), 101, from Grand Marais, Minnesota, crossed the finish line, entered into Heaven and was greeted by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lill was born on February 16, 1920, in Duluth, Minnesota She was the youngest daughter of J.C. and Juanita (Tranah) Murphy. She grew up in Grand Marais, Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior and loved the Lake. In 1934, she met Edward Andersen (Eddie) and a couple years later they eloped.

They had 7 children, 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. During her long life, she worked as a school cook for the Cook County Schools, she ran a bakery from her home, and this turned into a small business venture when she opened Lil’s Pastry Kitchen (which was located next to the current Blue Water Cafe), made beautiful wedding cakes and was a professional seamstress. Later, she helped in Eddie’s fish house, selling smoked and fresh caught Lake Superior fish. After Eddie passed away, she worked as a hostess in Pierre’s Pizza and she also sold knitted dishcloths, which were sold at 8 Broadway Art.

She was known throughout the town as a fabulous cook and baker. She made pies, breads, and so much more. She loved to keep house and always had her home, “ready for company.” Although she was married to a proud Swedish American, she was equally proud of her English-Irish heritage. She loved to entertain, and her dinner parties were well-known in the community and beyond, for her gracious hosting, impeccable cooking, diverse conversations and loads of laughter over the dinner table.

In the 1960s, she and Eddie, along with a small group of other Christian believers, started the Grand Marais Evangelical Free Church.

Her Christian faith was the center of her being; anyone who sat down at her table always heard about her faith in Christ and how Jesus changed her life.

Her greatest love in life was her husband, Eddie Andersen. Together they raised 6 children, who are all still living today. The heritage of their Christian faith was passed on to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Although she never completed high school, she was very well-read and well-spoken. She encouraged education for her children and grandchildren, and always rejoiced in their accomplishments. She loved music and many people can attest to the fun “Singspirations” and classical home concerts that were held in her home throughout the years.

In 2006, she moved from her beloved Grand Marais to Coon Rapids, Minnesota to be closer to her family. During these years, she continued to host gatherings for family and other guests who would drop by. These would often feature her famously delicious fishcakes and cardamom bread, and of course, she always had the coffee pot ready to go.

Although she moved to the Twin Cities, her heart was never far from the North Shore, and she would often remark how much she missed listening to the waves from the lake.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Eddie Andersen, an infant daughter, her parents J.C. Murphy and Juanita (Tranah) Murphy, 4 sisters and 2 brothers, and many friends. She is survived by her children: Larry (Peg) Andersen, Lawrenceville, Georgia; Ginger (Jerry) Dallin, New Hope, Minnesota; Nita Andersen, Grand Marais, Minnesota; Barb (Ray) Erickson, Blaine, Minnesota; Tim (Tammy) Andersen, Coon Rapids, MN and Lori (Pat) Lund, Circle Pines, Minnesota, 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren 2 great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She has left an amazing legacy in her family and Christian faith. She loved her family and they adored her. We will miss you, dear Mom, Nana, great Nana and Aunt.

Graveside service will be held for the family on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 1:00 pm at Poplar Grove Cemetery, Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 3:00 pm at Constance Evangelical Free Church, Andover, Minnesota.