Marie V. Andersen, age 83, of Winter Springs, Florida passed away peacefully at home on December 4, 2020.

Marie was born on October 18, 1937, in Chicago, IL, to Evelyn and Walter Backstrom. Both preceded her in death, as well as her brother, Edward Backstrom; nephew, Bobby Backstrom; and brother-in-law, Gary Engle.

On December 13, 1958, she married the love of her life, William W. Andersen, Jr., who survives in Winter Springs, FL. They would have celebrated their 62nd anniversary this year.

She is also survived by their loving children, Debbie (Tim) Gustafson, Mark Andersen, all of Valparaiso, and Suzanne (Charlie) Price of Winter Springs, FL; grandchildren, Chelsea (Joe Bodkin) Gustafson of Carmel, IN, Elise (Kyle Winquist) Gustafson, Chris Andersen, Dave (Cristin) Andersen, Mike (Cassandra) Andersen all of Chesterton/Valpo, Christopher Sandberg II, Will (fiancŽe Ana) Sandberg, Molly Sandberg, Ethan Sandberg, Jordan Price, and Jillian Price, all of Florida; sister-in-law Judy Engle; sister Louise; and great-grandchildren, Brecken Gustafson of Carmel, IN, Aubrey, Lucas, Abbigail, Levi, and Grace Andersen all of Chesterton, as well as many nieces and nephews.

After completing her degree in 1959 in Business and English at Valparaiso University, where she met Bill, Marie began her career as an elementary school teacher. Later, she became a legal secretary working in Bill’s law practice and then worked as the office manager for Cancer Health Associates in Merrillville, IN, for 22 years. She retired in 2004. Marie was also a room parent, a Girl Scout leader, and an all-around supporter of her children’s activities. She and Bill enjoyed their bridge club with life-long friends; travels to Alaska, Hawaii, England, Denmark, Mexico, France, Florida, and out west; and family time with their children and grandchildren. Marie was a gifted crafter and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, and needlepoint. She was an avid reader, a wonderful cook willing to try new recipes, and an amazing gardener with two green thumbs. She valued being God’s daughter, a wife, mother, and grandmother more than anything else.

Marie endured chemotherapy and beat breast cancer. She fought Multiple Sclerosis for the past 20 years and lived with grace as she navigated the effects of the MS which robbed her of her mobility. Nothing could take away her brilliant smile, sense of humor, and gracious spirit.

Bill’s wish for Marie is that God will grant her eternal peace and the ability to fly like Peter Pan, one of her childhood dreams.

Funeral services will be private due to the pandemic.