Mary Louise Anderson, age 70, passed away peacefully at her home in Holland, Michigan, on January 17, 2026 with her husband by her side. Mary was born on September 8, 1955, in Ludington, Michigan, to Francis and Geraldine Counahan, the 5th of 7 children.
Mary loved her 6 siblings although 2 she didn’t really know because she was too young when they passed: Geraldine Francis Counahan (1940–1958), Mary Margaret Counahan (who lived only two days), Jeanne Browning (1945–2005), Sandi Telgenhof (Doug), Barbara Kay Nash (1957–1977), and James Counahan. She cherished her family deeply and was known for being one who showed up — steady, compassionate, and ready to help whenever she was needed.
On December 14, 1974, Mary married the love of her life, James “Jim” Anderson, in Ludington. They moved to Holland, Michigan in 1982, and together they built a home filled with warmth and humor. They raised three children: James Scott “Scoot” Anderson (1975–1997), Kevin Anderson (Kim), and Melissa Fuentes (Ryan). Mary was immensely proud of her seven grandchildren — Elexia Fuentes, Lindsey Anderson, Eilyanna Fuentes, Tyler Anderson, Zach Anderson, Racquel Fuentes, and Mateyah Ortiz — each of whom brought her tremendous joy.
Mary spent many years working as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager at Woodland Realty before joining Huntington Bank, where she served in customer service and on the help desk for their call center. She was admired for her calm presence, her patient guidance, and her gift for helping others grow in their skills and confidence.
A lifelong caregiver at heart, Mary was best known for her compassion. She was the person people called when they needed comfort, support, or simply a listening ear. Her home was a safe haven not only for her own children but for their friends as well — many lovingly referred to her as their “second mom.”
Mary was a member of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. When her children were young, she served as a leader in her son’s Cub Scout pack and her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, pouring her time and energy into helping young people learn, grow, and feel valued.
One of the most defining and heartbreaking moments of Mary’s life was the loss of her oldest son, James Scott “Scoot” Anderson, in 1997. His passing left a deep and lasting wound. Mary carried his memory with her every day, and the grief she bore shaped her life in profound ways. In the years that followed, she faced periods of depression and mental illness that made it difficult for her to continue working and often caused her to withdraw from the world around her.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; three older sisters (Geraldine Counahan, Mary Margaret Counahan, Jeanne Browning); her younger sister, Barbara; her brothers‑in‑law Jeff Anderson and Doug Telgenhof; and her beloved son, James Scott “Scoot” Anderson.
Mary is survived by her loving husband James Anderson, her sister Sandi Telgenhof, brother Jim Counahan, children Kevin (Kim) Anderson, Melissa (Ryan) Fuentes, grandchildren Elexia Fuentes, Lindsey Anderson, Eilyanna Fuentes, Tyler Anderson, Zachary Anderson, Racquel Fuentes, Mateyah Ortiz, many nieces, nephews, and her life long friend Cheri (Denny) Thoreson.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church, 836 East 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423. Following the service, the family will receive visitors for a time of refreshments and fellowship at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice. Arrangements are by Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423.
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