Sibyl E. Andersen, 88

Sibyl E. Andersen, 88, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Friday, April 13, 2007.

A family memorial will be held at a later date.

Sibyl was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Nov. 30, 1918, and grew up in New York. She worked in New York City at the headquarters of W.T. Grant Stores. Sibyl met Harold "Andy" Andersen, a Navy lieutenant and PT boat commander who was stationed on Long Island after World War II, and they married in 1945.

The couple moved to Alaska where Andy began his Forest Service career and their four children were born. The family lived in Sandpoint in the late 1950's and again from 1966 to 1971 when Andy was the supervisor of the Kaniksu National Forest. Upon retirement, Andy and Sibyl relocated to Mt. Vernon, Washington. After living with Alzheimer's disease for several years, Sibyl moved to Life Care Center in Sandpoint in 1998 to be closer to her daughter, Karlen McBirney, and her family.

Sibyl loved being a homemaker, raising her children and grandchildren, and actively supporting her children's interests. Sibyl had a lifetime commitment to the Methodist Church.

She loved to sew, knit, read, drink afternoon tea and spend free time outdoors in nature. Singing was such a part of her life that years after she no longer spoke due to Alzheimer's, she retained the ability to sing.

Sibyl is survived by her husband Andy of 61 years and three married children: Craig and (Lynn) Andersen of Olympia, Wash.; Arvid and (Mary) Andersen of Baker, Ore.; Karlen and (Martin) McBirney of Sandpoint; seven grandchildren, a brother Harry and (Ivy) Richardson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister and her son Erik.

Sibyl's children are eternally grateful to the staff, past and present, at Life Care Center for the loving care bestowed upon their mother over the last nine years, as well as to Dr. Burgstahler and the doctors at Internal Medicine.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bonner Community Food Bank, 951 N. 5th Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864

Family and friends are invited to sign Sibyl's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements, for Sybil, are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.