Miriam “Mim” Anderson Richardson, of Rockford, Illinois, died on Easter morning, April 4, 2021, at Wesley Willows Senior Living Communities in Rockford, IL. She was born on March 16, 1928, in Wallingford, Connecticut, daughter of Gustaf Helmer Anderson, son of Swedish immigrants, and Ruth Mildred Twing Anderson. A 1951 Aurora college graduate, Miriam married Bob, a college classmate and love of her life, in 1948, and they were married for 67 years. She and Bob lived in Connecticut, returning there for 15 years after college; in Aurora, Illinois, for 29 years; and in Bella Vista, Arkansas for 10 years after they both retired. They returned to Illinois in 2003 to live at Wesley Willows in Rockford for the remainder of their lives.

Survivors include a daughter, Lois (Richard) Johnson, Castle Rock, Colorado, and two sons, Mark (Ruth), Bella Vista, AR, and Stephen (Allison), Meridian, ID. She has five grandchildren, Keith (Annie) Johnson, Geneva, IL; Sarah (Miguel) Ocampo, Mukwonago, WI; Timothy (Kristin) Johnson, Castle Rock, CO; Dr. Joshua (Erin) Richardson, Covington, LA; and Rebecca (Nike) Nesterowicz, Gravette, AR; and 13 great-grandchildren. Her husband, Bob; her parents; her sister, Lois (Richard) McBride; and her brother, David W. Anderson, predeceased her.

Miriam totally enjoyed her 30 years as a teacher of young children. Twenty of those years were spent at McCleery School in Aurora. In 1985 Miriam and Bob were named Distinguished Alumni of Aurora University for their commitment to character and scholarship. A scholarship in their name now supports a social work or education student at Aurora University each year.

Miriam was a member of Second Congregational/First Presbyterian Church of Rockford and belonged to Aurora Advent Christian Church for many years, remaining a committed church member throughout her life. At Bella Vista Community Church she was a Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader. She served in many different capacities in each church she belonged to wherever there was a need for her special gifts.

A simple life appealed to her, and the fruits of the Spirit so beautifully expressed in Scripture were the guidelines for her life. She was happiest when helping things grow, especially children, then vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Flower gardening led her to become a Benton County (AR) Master Gardener. At Wesley Willows she started the garden walk and a book discussion group. Miriam loved her family and friends, camping, traveling the country, canoeing, sailing, reading, cooking, sewing and quilting, classical music, and gardening. She was loved by all who knew her and enjoyed her hospitality and generosity. Now she awaits Christ’s second coming, to enter into His eternal life.

A private family service will be held to celebrate Miriam’s life. Memorials may be given to the Good Samaritan Fund, Wesley Willows Development Office, 4141 N. Rockton Avenue., Rockford, IL 61103; Second First Church, 318 N. Church St., Rockford, IL  61101; or Aurora University, 347 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora, IL 60506