Virginia (Soter) Andersen, 86, of Holden passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, 2016, on the birthday of her beloved daughter, Debra, who predeceased her in 2007, at the age of 52. She was under the loving care of her dedicated family along with the staff at Knollwood Nursing Center. Born and raised in Worcester, Virginia was the daughter of Chris M. and Catherine (Lampride) Soter and lived 56 years in Holden.

After graduating from North High School in Worcester, Virginia went to work at New England Telephone Company. While playing records during dance lessons, she met and fell in love with a handsome young man by the name of Bruce Andersen. In the 1950’s, it was not customary for Greek parents to allow their daughters to date outside of the orthodox community, but Bruce was the exception and was quickly and lovingly received by Virginia’s family. They married on September 20, 1953. Virginia and Bruce moved to Holden in 1960 and embraced their new community while raising their four children. Virginia later returned to work at Quinsigamond Community College’s Center for Life Long Learning and the Registrar’s office. She had many interests including cooking, crocheting and especially sewing.

Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and looked forward to any gathering that brought her closer to her family. It’s been quoted that “grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever.” She adored and was proud of her children and grandchildren and has left an indelible memory of love in their hearts. Virginia’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Adult Day Care Program of Summit Elder Care for their extraordinary care and compassion.

She leaves her beloved husband of 63 years, Bruce “Andy” K. Andersen; two sons, Paul Andersen of Sterling and Michael Andersen and his wife, Mary of Charlton; a daughter, Leslie Fuller and her husband, Dean of Dudley; eight grandchildren, Katherine, Kelsa, Ryan, Casey, Amy, Todd, Heather and Jordan; a great granddaughter yet to be born, Charlotte; three sisters, Penelope Gleason and Eva Selzo both of Worcester, and Flora McKeon of Eastham; a brother Harold Soter of Florida; and many nephews and nieces. Sisters, Annie and Mary, and a brother, George, predeceased her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 pm with a Trisagion Service at 6 pm on Monday, August 15, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service honoring her life will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, August 14, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Virginia’s memory to Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell St., Worcester, MA 01602, or the Alzheimer’s Association , MA/NH Chapter, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.