Eleanor Marie "Ciss" Anderson

Eleanor Marie "Ciss" Anderson, 62, of Pottstown, PA, passed away unexpectedly with her family at her side on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA which was the same date that her daughter passed away 40 years earlier.

Born in Coatesville, PA, she was the daughter of Walter W. Van Dyke Sr. and Florence (Reath) Van Dyke. She married John Joseph Anderson on June 2, 1984 with whom she spent over 40 years of marriage. They met 41 years ago at Action Manufacturing Munitions Plant in Atglen, PA. Ciss had a radiant smile that lit up every room and she had a way of making everyone feel special. John asked “Ciss” out on a date, but she said she was going home to take a bath with a good book. John’s response was to ask if she needed help with that bath. After that moment, they were inseparable. Although times were not always easy, they had a bond that lasted through the test of time. After leaving her job in Atglen, she spent over 35 years in her career as a nanny; and she showed a tremendous amount of love for children. Over the years, she stayed in touch with those children and proudly watched them grow into adulthood. She especially loved traveling to New York City to see one of the children to whom she was a nanny perform on Broadway as the wicked witch in the play Wicked as the character Elphaba.

Ciss loved listening to Pink Floyd and she loved traveling with John. They often spent time in Germany, Amsterdam, various European locations, and anywhere they possibly could. She loved her nieces, nephews, flea markets, selling her vegetables, making new friends, and helping seniors. She also loved going to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ games; and she loved tailgating and getting autographs. Her pride and joy was playing bingo and drag queen bingo was her favorite! She felt passionately about bingo because it supported Transplant Alliance Organ Donors as she became an organ donor herself.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her siblings, Walter Van Dyke Jr. of New Holland, PA, Rick (Diane) Van Dyke of Thorndale, PA, and Buster (Cindy) Van Dyke of Gap, PA.  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Christina Marie Anderson and a brother, Junior Van Dyke.

Eleanor was a gentle, kind, and patient person. We will carry her in our hearts and be grateful for all that she has left behind.

A Celebration of Life memorial service is planned for Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at Wilde Funeral Home 434 Main Street, Parkesburg, PA, with visitation starting at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Transplant Alliance; To donate click HERE.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com