Larraine Louise Stewart-Anderson

With sadness, we announce the passing of Larraine Louise Stewart-Anderson on November 26, 2024, after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Born on April 9, 1943 in Anoka, Minnesota, Larraine’s life was defined by dedication to her family, love for those around her, and kindness to all those she met. Her warm approach was delightful, and she had a remarkable ability to listen and make everyone feel special.

On November 28, 1969, Larraine and Philip (Phil) Stewart married and started a beautiful life together, raising her four young children from a previous marriage and welcoming a fifth child into the family a few years later. Together, they lived briefly in Anoka, several years in Annandale, and over twenty years in Paynesville. 

Following Phil’s sudden death in 1995, Larraine moved to Big Lake and was again blessed to meet Richard (Dick) Anderson. They expressed their vows of love at a surprise Christmas wedding on December 23, 2000, and she embraced Dick’s daughter into the family. Together they lived in Elk River, with summertime at their cabin on Big Sandy Lake near McGregor. In 2017, they moved to Alexandria. For almost 24 years, they enjoyed time with family, friends, travels, home projects, gardening, games, bird-watching, and a little scoop of ice cream each night.

Over the years, Larraine cherished many special moments with her family – instilling the values of family, faith, and kindness. She is fondly remembered for her magical holidays, annual cookie day, cabin time, story-telling, and the many quilted gifts she lovingly stitched for the family. She is well-known for her creative talents, especially decorating, sewing and crafts, and gardening. 

Larraine held several occupations including retail, office receptionist, and an entrepreneurial endeavor with her Hen House Boutique at their farm in Elk River. She also enjoyed many volunteer activities in her community, such as being a member of the Paynesville Lionesses, hospice visitor, and quilting at First Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her husband, Richard (Dick) Anderson; her children: Jody (Craig) Hemmesch, Jim (Char) Provost, Jeff (Sheila) Provost, Julie (Gary) Dosdall, and step-daughter Aimee (Steve) Lawson; twelve grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings: Daryl (Theresa) Hathaway, Donna Meier, Sharon (Mark) Crooker, Gary (Pat) Hathaway, and Georgia Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo “Bud” and Elvena Hathaway, daughter Jackie Dee Scheel, husband Philip Stewart, sister Darlene Lundquist, brother Steven Hathaway, and brothers-in-law Miles Meier and Steve Thompson. 

A memorial service is planned for Larraine on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the First Lutheran Church located at 1655 South McKay Avenue, Alexandria, Minnesota. Visitation is at noon with the service at 1:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow. A private burial is planned at West Oak Grove Cemetery in the spring. 

We express our sincere appreciation for the caring staff at Hospice of Douglas County. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation at https://hospicedouglascounty.org/donate/, with "Larraine Stewart-Anderson" noted in the memo.