Dr. Yvonne Stelly Anderson, passed away peacefully in her sleep in her Lake Charles, home at the age of 100.
She was born on June 22, 1921, and was the daughter of A.M. and Juanita Stelly who were some of the first settlers in Lake Charles.
She and her four siblings were raised with a strong work ethic. She attended St. Charles Academy and graduated from high school at sixteen and then went on to attend the historic Ursuline College in New Orleans on a scholarship. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Math at the age of twenty. Dr. Yvonne Stelly Anderson attended medical school at Loyola University in Chicago, during WWII. Dr. Yvonne Anderson was one of only 4 girls in a class of 100 medical students. She completed her internship and residence at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. It was at Charity Hospital where Dr. Anderson met the love of her life Dr. George Mabry Anderson, MD. They were married for 63 years. The Andersons set up their private medical practice and were both affiliated with St. Patrick’s Hospital. They practiced medicine in Lake Charles for over 50 years. She loved her job and enjoyed working with her husband. When Dr. Anderson was questioned about being one for four females in her class she stated that she “did her job just like the others, I was their colleague and it was never an issue”. When Dr. Yvonne Anderson was asked about the key to a long and healthy life she stated “the key is to do what you love and to keep yourself busy and take plenty of naps”.
She is survived by her daughter, L. Anne Hayman, MD; son, George M. Anderson, II, PhD; grandchildren, John Joseph Pagani and William Andrew Pagani and wife Elizabeth. Also survived by one great grandson, Asher George Pagani; nephew, John Thibodeaux and wife Leigh Ann, nieces, Laurie Thibodeaux Cormier, Susan Thibodeaux Blevins and her husband Jack, and Gay Thibodeaux Louviere.
She was preceded in death by her parents, A.M. and Juanita Stelly; her beloved husband, Dr. George Mabry Anderson; her siblings, Leo Stelly, Sister Mary Grace Stelly, Maybell Stelly Thibodeaux, Sister Monica Stelly.
Her funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday March 11, 2022, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church in Lake Chalres, La. Visitation will be at the Cathedral from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday March 11, 2022. Burial will immediately follow the service at Consolata Cemetery.
“Thank you, Thank you” to personal care givers and Amedisys Hospice for their loving care to Dr. Anderson. Also, much gratitude for Dave Stedman for his care, love and great cuisine.
Deepest gratitude is extended to Leigh Ann Thibodeaux who loved and cared for Yvonne for the last several years. Leigh Ann not only saw to her physical needs but also her spiritual needs, having communion brought to her and asking priests to visit regularly. She continually strived to make her life comfortable, while ensuring that Yvonne retained her dignity. Yvonne was never lonely as Leigh Ann made certain she spent quality time with close friends and family on a regular basis. In celebration of Yvonne‘s 100th birthday, Leigh Ann threw her a wonderful daylong party with family, friends, and neighbors. Leigh Ann was by Yvonne’s side until the end, being her angel on earth who brought her to the gates of heaven where God welcomed her into eternal life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 935 Bilbo St, Lake Charles, LA 70601.