Alvera M. Anderson

Alvera M. Anderson, age 103, passed away on Sunday afternoon, October 6, 2024, at the David Simpson Hospice House surrounded by her family.

Alvera was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, and friend to so many. She will always be remembered for her strength, independence, kindness, selflessness, and generosity. Anyone who met her knew they had found a place where they were always welcome. She was truly the “universal grandma,” with honorary grandchildren all over the world.

Alvera was born March 17, 1921, in Campobasso, Sant’ Angelo in Grotte, Italy, the daughter of Michele and Rosa Carlucci Castrilla. She was 9 months old when she came to Ellis Island with her parents. She graduated from Conneaut High School Class of 1938. Alvera worked as a clerk at the former Zezzo’s Store, Walrath’s and for over 40 years at Dickson’s Market in downtown Conneaut.

Alvera was a member of St. Frances Cabrini, Corpus Cristi Parish and was married to her late husband Charles G. Anderson on December 16, 1943. Alvera loved her family and especially all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  She loved to cook her homemade ravioli and spaghetti sauce for everyone. She loved her yardwork and loved her independence. Alvera walked over three miles a day well into her 80’s with her sister-in-law Helen Castrilla and lived at home alone until she was over 100 years old, when she moved into the Villa at the Lake. Family was always at the heart of her life, and she showed her love by caring for multiple generations. She was a devoted Catholic and was always active in her church and community.

Alvera was preceded in death by parents, her husband Charles G. Anderson (1954), and infant daughter at birth Alice Rose Anderson (1946), son -in-law Edward J. Reydak Jr., brother Henry “Hank” and Helen Castrilla, sisters Antoinette “Dina” and James Parlongo, Beatrice and Robert “Buster” Mead, and Anna and Tony Ozolek, and numerous other relatives.

Alvera is survived by a son Charles “Chuck” (Diana) Anderson of Ashtabula, Mary “Sis” Reydak of Conneaut, grandchildren Charles “Chuckie” Anderson Jr., Edward “Eddie” J. (Melissa) Reydak III, Gregory “Greg” (Lisa) Anderson, Michele “Shelley” (Frank Telesznicky) Reydak, Amy (Rick Teed) Anderson,  great-grandchildren Anna Reydak, Colby (Sarah) Anderson, Chelsea (Justin) Fuller, Chandler Stitt, Bailey Anderson, Halie Reydak, Connor Stitt, great-great grandchildren Emmalyn, Mikey, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Emerson, Jonah, Cleo and Natalina. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St Frances Cabrini Church.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Western Reserve at David Simpson House for the excellent care and compassion provided to Alvera in her final days.

Memorial contributions in Alvera’s name can be made to the Corpus Christi Building Fund, 744 Mill St, Conneaut, Ohio 44030 or The David Simpson Hospice House, 300 E 185th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44119.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alvera M. Anderson, please visit our floral store.