Tribute to Shirley Anderson
Long time RIWPS member and volunteer Shirley Anderson died on March 10, 2025. Shirley graced RIWPS with her quiet competency and the kindness that informed it almost since RIWPS inception. She and her husband Bob became members in 1988. They were our Bob and Shirley team. Their complementary efforts contributed to so many RIWPS functions: garden tours, harvest dinners, auctions, native plant exhibits, plant sales, the seed starters. Their volunteer of the Year Awards in 2009 were followed by Lifetime Service Awards in 2015. For Shirley and Bob caring for plants was also a family affair. Both their daughters, Laurie and Gayle become RIWPS members, with Gayle serving as the head of Seed Starters West.
Those who worked with Shirley fondly remember her floral displays, her enthusiasm to share plants from her garden, her attention to hospitality, and most of all, how much they learned from her.
Kate Rakosky, the current head of Seed Starters West captures so much of what made Shirley special.
“Shirley was very generous with her time, her plants and her wisdom. She always said “yes” when there was work to be done and to RIWPS/Seed Starter West social gatherings. She was quiet, but when she spoke, we listened. And, like the chickadees she adored, she was small but mighty. It wasn’t many years ago that we went to roll up the sides of the hoop house, but we had to move cinder blocks first. I came around the corner and there was Shirley, lifting one like it weighed nothing!
I worked alongside her many times potting up plants, many from her garden. I especially remember her bringing in Celandine Poppies and Robin’s Plantain from her garden and potting them up for the May sale. And she was always the first to pick up the broom when we were finished for the day. She led by example.
Shirley always worked the May sale. Her knowledge of spring blooming plants was very helpful to those of us who worked with her, and to our customers as well. She was in charge of the shade garden plants at the June sale. I enjoyed listening to her talk with customers about the woodland plants we both love best. Bob was always there, too, directing traffic in the parking area, setting up tents and tables, whatever was needed and quick with a smile.
Bob and Shirley were stalwarts at RIWPS functions. Always there, always together. I remember them on the hospitality committee, bringing delicious treats to share and welcoming members at annual meetings. They clearly adored each other and will forever be an inspiration to all of us. In the last few years, we didn’t see them as often. Gayle lovingly referred to them as “The Emeritus Crew”. A few years ago, I was putting together a list of Seed Starters West drivers. We were going to meet Sue Theriault along with some of the Seed Starters East team so they could hand off plants they had grown for the May sale. Gayle said Shirley had volunteered to drive, too, “just in case” we needed an extra car. Bob and Shirley showed up together. Gayle asked if I would make sure to introduce them to our new Plant Sale Chair, Sue. She met with their approval.”
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Anderson Family and to all those touched by Shirley’s kindness.
