Elizabeth Theresa Anderson, 85, of California, MD, died on September 17, 2013, at Hospice House in Callaway, MD. Born on September 20, 1927 in Mechanicsville, MD she was the daughter of the late Richard Joseph and Mary Eulalia Long.

Theresa, formerly of Mechanicsville, MD was a 1946 graduate from Margaret Brent High School and was Warden of the Margaret Brent Alumni Association for many years, in which, she loved everything involved with that. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Ladies of Charity in Mechanicsville, MD for many years. She was a very outgoing individual and always put others before herself. She was always willing to help whenever there was a need. During the summer months, prior to her Senior Year Graduation, she worked for the U. S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA.

After graduation, she was employed at the Patuxent River Naval Air Test Center where she worked until she was ready to settle into married life and start a wonderful family. She married the love of her life, Francis Adrian Anderson, Sr. on May 7, 1949. They raised 6 children. Theresa started working for the Archdiocese of Washington for the Catholic School board at Mother Catherine Spalding School in Helen, MD, as a Teacher's Aide, in which she eventually filled in as the first grade substitute teacher. She loved teaching and the children loved her. She had charisma and that special quality which helped promote many of the children on to the next grade. Once a friend, always a friend!

She was also employed by the Saint Mary's County Board of Education in which she worked under the Title I Program at Banneker Elementary and Margaret Brent Middle School. She loved people and loved being involved. In 1980, she was offered a position at the Patuxent River Naval Air Test Center and with her prior experience was hired right away. She loved her job as she was the Secretary to the Public Works Office and all the workers called her "Momma". In 1992, she retired to do the best job ever-babysit for her two Grandsons which she loved more than anything. She was the best babysitter anyone could have!

She is survived by her children; "Frankie" Francis Adrian Anderson, Jr. (Marsha) and Mary Kay Austin (Dennis) of Mechanicsville, MD; Frederick Allan Anderson (Shirley) of Sutton, AK; Thomas Edward Anderson of California, MD and Joyce Ann Spalding (James) of Hollywood, MD. Grandchildren; Richard Francis Anderson, Lisa Marie Trossbach, Brent Alexander Spalding, Shane Nicholas Spalding, and Cameron Marie Hersh. Great-Grandchildren; Elizabeth, Emily and Adam Trossbach and Richard Anderson. She is also survived by her Sisters and Brother; Martha R. Brancheau of Sunrise, FL, Rebecca J. Birge of Okechobee, FL and Maurice I. Long of Hughesville, MD.

She was predeceased by her husband; Francis Adrian Anderson, Sr., a son; Gerald Lee Anderson, a sister; Mary Agnes Turner and a brother Richard J. Long, Jr.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM with prayers recited at 3:00 Pm in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD . A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 23, 2013 at 10:00 Am in St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Father Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be; Richard Anderson, Brent Spalding, Shane Spalding, Weylin Anderson, Keith Turner, and Jay Thompson.

Contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.