Sally Gordner Anderson

Sally Gordner Anderson, 91, of Fishers, IN passed away January 15, 2024.  She was born February 5, 1932, in Indianapolis, the eldest daughter of the late LeRoy George and Lois (Tabbert) Gordner.  She married Robert Mansfield Anderson of Groton Massachusetts on June 25,1960.

Following graduation from Broad Ripple High School and Northwestern University she pursued a career and lifetime love of teaching children in kindergarten and first grade.

After marrying Bob, the couple moved to Glastonbury Connecticut, then to Jacksonville Florida in 1971, and back home to Indianapolis in 1975. She made lifelong friends everywhere she lived and traveled; and never knew a stranger, often remarking “it’s a small world” when running into an old acquaintance or uncovering a common bond with a new friend.

She worked as a consultant for World Travel Services in the early 1980’s, and traveled extensively around the world.  Upon Bob’s retirement she used this experience to plan many worldwide excursions for them. She also loved camping in their Airstream trailer, and walking on the beach in Siesta Key, Florida. 

In Indianapolis, she was active in the Day Nursery Auxiliary which her mother Lois Gordner co-founded, and Day Nursery Association (Early Learning Indiana).  She also enjoyed membership in Children’s Bureau, PEO, and Daughters of the American Revolution. A long-standing member of Second Presbyterian Church, she served as a Deacon and Elder, as well as being on many committees. 

She was legendary for her volunteerism, serving organizations such as Conner Prairie, the Children’s Museum, Community Hospital, and others. She and Bob were members of the Indianapolis Art Museum, the Eiteljorg, Player’s Club, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

She loved music and was a life-long piano player. She had a passion for reading and was a member of several book clubs. She enjoyed an active lifestyle with family, friends, and neighbors. Many fondly remember Sally pedaling her green bicycle around the neighborhood, an exercise she continued into her 90’s. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert Anderson; two children, David Tabbert (Rebecca Sue) Anderson and Heidi Anderson (Johnny) DeMarco; granddaughter, Emily Margaret Anderson; sister, Suzanna Gordner Pollak; brother, Fritz Rudolph (Sandra) Gordner; and sister-in-law, Margery Anderson Greene.  She was preceded in passing by three brothers-in-law, John Anderson, Edward Pollak and Frank Greene.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 North Meridian Street.  Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Day Nursery/Early Learning Indiana please use dropdown menu to select Day Nursery Auxiliary, Second Presbyterian Church or PEO Foundation.  Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com. 

To view Sally's service please click here.