B. Jean (Lester) (Tellam) Anderson

Jean (Lester) Tellam Anderson of South Bend passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023 at St. Paul’s Assisted Living Center. She was born in Kalamzoo, MI to Earl and Dorothy (Gardner) Tellam on December 2, 1930. She graduated from Paw Paw High School and has one brother, William (Shirley, deceased) Tellam of Kalamazoo, MI.

On October 22, 1949, Jean married Maynard Charles Lester who preceded her in death.  Of that union, two daughters, Donna Lester Krol (Walter, deceased) and Barbara (Richard) Macias all of South Bend. She is survived by grandchildren, Brian and Jason Krol, great grandson, Michael Krol, granddaughters Amanda and Marissa Macias, 2 great granddaughters Aviana and Chloe Perez.

Jean was a long time member of the former Bethany Lutheran Church where she was blessed to marry fellow parishioner, Herbert Anderson on October 9,1993.  Herb also preceded her in death.  Through that union a special blended family was created with the addition of Craig (Sherry) Anderson of Monona Wisconsin and Lori (Mark) Scott of West Lafayette Indiana.  Jean is also survived by step-grandchildren  Katy (Kevin) O’Brien; Jessica (Erik) Benzine and Rebecca (Colin) O’Neall; Sara (Sean) Cheeseman and Beau (Alyia) Scott and additional great-grandchildren.

Jean worked in data processing for many years, concluding her career at the Torrington Company. Jean was also active in Easter Star and was the Rainbow “Mom” of Rose Croix Rainbow Assembly for Girls #106. Jean made the most special Christmas cookies. Being the perfectionist that she was, each cookie was a work of art.

The family would like to thank the staff at St Paul’s Assisted Living Center (second floor) and Caring Cove Hospice for the exceptional care and support they provided to Jean and the family, especially these last few months.

Friends and family will be received from 10:00am-12:00pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023 with a funeral service to start at 12:00pm, all at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S Mayflower Rd, South Bend. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Since both of her husbands were veterans, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Jean (Lester) Tellam Anderson may be made out to St. Joseph County VA Clinic, 1540 Trinity Place, Mishawaka, In 46545 or St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38015.

Online condolences may be left at sjfh.net

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