In Loving Memory of Fay Spencer Anderson, MD November 3, 1930 - October 7, 2006 - Dr. Fay Anderson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on October 7th. Diagnosed in 1991 with post-polio syndrome, she was a pillar of strength and tenacity and was adored by all who knew her. She never referred to herself as handicapped, merely inconvenienced. Dr. Anderson was born in Los Angeles to Paul and Fay Spencer, raised in the San Gabriel Valley and graduated South Pasadena High School in 1948. She graduated from Occidental College in 1952 and Northwestern University Medical School in 1956. She was an anesthesiologist who practiced for over 30 years, most recently at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia for 16 years.

Upon her retirement in 1989, she moved from Arcadia to her home in Lake Arrowhead, where she became very involved in the local chapter of the American Association of University W omen and was a multi-year coordinator for Mountain Meals on Wheels. She was a tireless advocate for women's education and relentless fundraiser for Meals on Wheels, Occidental College Alumni and Northwestern University Medical School Alumni. Never allowing her disability to slow her down, she maintained a dignity and witty sense of humor that amazed everyone who had the good fortune to know her. She traveled the world in her lifetime. In the years since her retirement, she visited the North and South Poles, Russia, Alaska and Australia. Her intelligence, wisdom, irreverent sense of humor and love for her family and friends carried her through to the end of her days. She maintained lifelong friendships and was widely known as "the great communicator".

Dr. Anderson was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Smith. She is survived by her four daughters: Karen Fay Haugland of Ben Lomond, California; Susan Spencer Anderson of Oakland; Mary Elizabeth Anderson of Meeteetse, Wyoming; and Julianne Neil Shuler of Lake Arrowhead, who was also her caregiver for the last five years. She also leaves behind her sisters, Nancy Gaechter of Saratoga, California and Mary Ann Spencer of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; brother Paul Spencer, Jr of Santa Maria, California; six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by all. 

Pasadena Star-News, October 25, 2006