Barbara Janette Anderson, known as Bobbi, passed away peacefully on August 1 at the age of 94.

Born on February 18, 1932 she spent her childhood growing up across Wisconsin in Baraboo, Algoma and Clintonville before graduating from the University of Stevens Point in 1954 where she met and married Ray Anderson.

Together, they moved to New Hope, and created the home that would become the center of so much of Bobbi's life.

New Hope was more than a place Bobbi lived. It was where she raised four children, welcomed friends and spent so many of her days. When she wasn't walking, swimming, or gardening, she might be found playing piano, watching the birds or the eagles in the nest, or settled in with a book. Her house, marked by its distinctive orange door, felt like an extension of Bobbi herself: warm, peaceful, welcoming, and a little bit unique.

Bobbi was an independent woman with a deeply curious spirit. She was always open to trying something new, hearing about another person's experiences, or discovering something she hadn't encountered before. She loved music and singing, art shows and orchestras, and finding a sweet treat to enjoy. She practiced yoga for more than 40 years, including a yoga retreat in Costa Rica. She also traveled to Germany, Mexico, and China on what became some of her greatest adventures.

She stayed active throughout her life in other ways, volunteering, biking, taking fitness classes, walking with friends, and swimming. Swimming, especially swimming at nearby Sunset Lake, was one of the things that became distinctly Bobbi. She found joy in movement, in nature, and in simply being present.

Bobbi also understood the importance of friendship. She cherished lunches with friends, coffee dates, phone conversations, and sewing club. She found strength in the bonds between women, in lifting one another up, and in sharing perspective. She was a calming and consistent presence, someone people could turn to simply to talk, to be heard, or to find a little balance.

When she became a grandmother, Bobbi became known simply as Gram, and not only to her own grandchildren. Everyone they introduced her to seemed to call her Gram, too. She showed up. She was in the stands at sporting events, at school concerts and performances, cheering on her grandchildren and making herself part of the things that mattered to them.

Bobbi lived long enough to meet and spend time with her great-grandchildren, and she thoroughly enjoyed holding them, laughing with them, and remembering how to be young.

There were little things that were unmistakably Bobbi. Cards delivered in envelopes adorned with her colorful drawings, outfits topped off with a little flair — bright socks, handmade earrings or a delightful brooch. Every year, she would call on your birthday and leave a message singing her special birthday song. She had a way of making ordinary moments feel worth noticing.

Bobbi's life was not about rushing through things. It was about being present. Present to notice the birds, take the walk, go for the swim, try the new restaurant, listen to a friend, open a book, take a deep breath, and spend another moment with the people she loved.

And when it was time to leave, Bobbi always had one last way of sending you off down the long gravel driveway. She would stand on her front porch, raise both hands high above her head, and give you "The Big Wave."

So, we'll send her off the way she always sent us off… with a big hug and a big goodbye.

Bobbi is survived by her children, Mark Anderson (Neely), Jan Anderson (Randy Kenowski), Pete Anderson (Deb Reynolds), and Scott Anderson (Charisse); her grandchildren, Ryan Anderson, Conor Anderson, Andrea Albers (Louie), Emily Albers, Kiaya Gardner (Nick), and Lucas Albers (Aymee), and her great-grandchildren, Tatum Benson, Maeve Gardner, and Elliott Gardner.

She is also survived by her brother, Chuck Hanson, his wife, Susan Hanson, and their daughters, Vanessa and Stephanie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Anderson, and her parents, William and Helen Hanson.

A celebration of Bobbi's life will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 6:00pm at 10498 Cty MM, Amherst Junction, 54407. There will be a poem reading and Big Wave at 4:00 pm. The family asks that you wear something that reminds you of Bobbi - purple. orange, yoga wear, your swimsuit, or anything that feels like her.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society assisted the family. Words of remembrance may be shared at MWCS.WS.