Mary Alverna Anderson, "Pete", age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at The Good Samaritan Home in Bottineau, ND.

Pete was born on October 31, 1931 to Robert and Florence Edna Gariepy in the small community of Leroy, ND. While she was still an infant, Pete's father died and her mother remarried Oscar Diemert. Together they raised their growing family, which included Pete and four siblings, in Walhalla, ND. She was baptized at St. Joseph Church in Leroy and confirmed at St. Boniface Church in Walhalla, marking her steadfast commitment to a Catholic life of faith.

Pete had an enduring love of learning which blossomed in early childhood. As a young girl, she refused to put down her often-read copy of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," inspiring family members to fondly give her the nickname "Pete." Pete, knowing that she wanted to become a nurse, went on to earn the distinction as valedictorian of her class at Walhalla High School. Following her graduation, she moved to Bottineau to pursue her dream at St. Andrew's School of Nursing. Here she met fellow students who would become colleagues and friends for life!

In 1955, Pete married Arvid Anderson, a handsome farmer from Whitby township. After a six-week road trip honeymoon through the United States, which included an impromptu stop at Mardi Gras, the two settled in Bottineau, ND to begin a long and full life together. They were soon blessed with five children, and eventually eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren! When it came to their children, they were determined never to miss a hockey game, a basketball game or a concert. And when the grandchildren started arriving, they enjoyed traveling to visit their kids and grandkids to participate in their activities too! For many years, Pete and Arvid also enjoyed the company of dear friends and wouldn't think of missing Friday and Saturday night suppers and card games with them. These close friendships were a gift and a blessing in their lives.

Throughout her life Pete humbly participated in and distinguished herself in community life. She was an original "working mom," working night shifts as a nurse at St. Andrew's Hospital, while Arvid cared for their young children. She was a devoted member of St. Mark's parish, joining in activities such as teaching CCD, working at the Fall supper and offering her services on the phone-in prayer line. Those who knew Pete knew of her passion for reading. With the help of dedicated librarians, there were few books at the Bottineau County Library that she didn't read! She also shared a deep love of music: in the early years you might find her enjoying her eclectic record collection or later, listening to a wide variety of music cd's. For her seventieth birthday she was thrilled to have a front row seat at a Tina Turner concert. Over the span of more than fifty years she celebrated her dear friends' birthdays through their "birthday club" and shared skills and meals in homemakers club. And for many years she courageously struggled with health issues, but was determined to live life to the fullest.

Following Arvid's passing in 2017, Pete entered The Good Samaritan Home and became part of the "Good Sam Family." She treasured many of the staff and felt a closeness to them that renewed her in the final years of her life. Pete's passing was filled with grace and attended by family and loved ones. She will be deeply missed and her love and strength will continue to live on in the lives of many.

Pete is preceded in death by her husband, Arvid; her sisters Eileen Gariepy, Billie Hejlik and Shirley Maides, her brother Robert Gariepy; her grandson-in-law Cody Ward; her sisters-in-law Ellen Anderson, Katie Tonda, Bedvi Swanson, Freida Sebilius and Donna Anderson and her brothers-in-law Eman Hejlik, Fred Maides, Robert Tonda, Glenn Swanson, Melvin Anderson, Walter Terry and Wallace Sebilius.

She is survived by her children, Kim (Don) Kornkven, Peter Anderson, Steve (Audrey) Anderson, Michele Anderson and Amy Anderson; her grandchildren, Jared Kornkven, Chase (Katie) Kornkven, Jessica (Alex) Aardahl, Stephanie (Kyle) Giddings, Nicole (Gabe) Anderson, Morgan Ward, McKinley Francis-Anderson and Celine Andrae; her sister-in-law, Thelma Terry and many beloved nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Monday, October 19, 2020 at 3pm at Oak Creek Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Bottineau County Library, St. Andrew's Health Center or St. Mark's Church.

Arrangements are with Nero Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.nerofuneralhome.net