Lois G. Anderson

MADISON-Lois Gilbert Anderson, 97, of Madison, passed away on May 14, surrounded by family at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge.

Lois was born on March 26, 1927, to David and Hazel Talbot in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Palatine High School in 1945 and pursued her passion for music at Northwestern University, where she majored in music education. At Northwestern, she met Dale W. Gilbert, and they married in 1949. She taught public school music in Crete, Nebraska, and later in the Middleton Public Schools. A gifted pianist, she brought music into the lives of many children through private piano lessons in her home in Madison. Her strong Christian faith was evident in her active memberships at St. John's Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, and Crossroads Christian Reformed Church during her time in Madison.

Lois's family was her pride and joy. She and Dale had two children, Jay and Carol. After Dale's passing in 1984, she found love again with James L. Anderson. Lois embraced James's three adult children: Laurinda, James, and Geoffrey. The couple relocated to Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge, where Lois continued to be active in many things, including playing the piano for the chapel services at Oakwood, a role she fulfilled until age 95.

Throughout her adult life, prior to her move to Oakwood, Lois loved and cared for a number of animals. She shared stories about her parents' dog, Zippy, and her horse, Rocko, which her father bought for her when she was a teenager. Over the decades, several cats and dogs were adopted into the family. 

In addition to her accomplishments as a pianist, Lois was skilled in needlepoint and cross-stitch, completing many beautiful designs. She also traveled extensively to Europe, China, and Israel. One of her most remarkable journeys was a 75-day family trip to Alaska in 1970. She and Jim traveled around the country in their retirement years, visiting their children and grandchildren and enjoying special educational events.

Lois also served on the planning commission for the city of Fitchburg during the 1990s.  

Lois was predeceased by her parents, David and Hazel Talbot; two husbands, Dale W. Gilbert and James L. Anderson; and a sister, June Gallimore. She is survived by her sister, Jean Rosen; children Jay (Laura) Gilbert, Carol (Greg) Cowan, Laurinda (Bruce) Berger, James (Terry) Anderson, and Geoffrey (Diane) Anderson; six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m. in the Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge chapel, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison. A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. Memorial gifts can be made to the Oakwood Prairie Ridge Spiritual Care Fund. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054