Carol Ann Anderson passed away peacefully in Santa Maria on August 15, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born Carol Ann Johnson to Richard W. Johnson and Gertrude E. (Carey) Johnson in Glendive, Montana, October 2, 1934. She married Roger J. W. Anderson in North Dakota in 1954, living in Philadelphia, PA, Jamestown, ND, Casper, WY and in various cities around California where they moved following Roger’s work in the oil industry. They were married 64 years until Roger’s passing in 2019.
Carol and Roger had three children, Leslie Cornejo (Enrique), Kevin Anderson (Linda) and Jeffrey Anderson (Karen). She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Richard (Dick) and Robert (Bob). She is survived by one brother, Mark Johnson (Francine), 7 grandchildren, Daniel, David, Eric, Ben, Sean, Kelsey and Greg, their spouses, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other extended family. She loved us all.
As her health failed, we were graced by a last bit of time with her to share love, laughs, songs and memories. Her greatest love was her family, followed by playing flute for over 20 years in the Prime Time Band of Santa Barbara – which she and Roger helped charter in 1995, swimming, boogie boarding in Carpinteria with the grandkids, playing bridge, reading, gardening and watching the Dodgers.
Over her very full life, Carol received a Master’s in English, taught high school English in Bakersfield, coached the girls basketball team and taught a college class which mentored future teachers. She became an attorney in her 50’s, passing the bar the first time and — always with Roger — flew on the Concorde, sailed on the QE2, climbed the Acropolis, snorkeled in Tahiti, and visited most U.S. states.
Carol was a docent at the Santa Barbara Zoo, chaired the Santa Barbara County Republican Party, played the piano, French horn and cello, and never missed a grandchild’s school program or sports event. She taught us to love life and love each other. We believe she is now dancing with Dad as she called it, “on the other side,” and we will never forget her infectious laughter.
Services for our beloved Nana Carol will be held on September 18, 2026, at St. Mark’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, Los Olivos, California at 10:00am. Refreshments to follow at the church hall.
Our family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s name be made to
the Prime Time Band of Santa Barbara, PTBand.org a 501(c)3, or the charity of your choice.
