Catherine Elizabeth Anderson

Catherine Elizabeth Anderson (Metcalf)
February 22, 1936 – November 29, 2025

Catherine Elizabeth Anderson, née Metcalf, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 29, 2025.

Catherine was born on February 22, 1936, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She was the tenth of the thirteen children born to F. Howard and Mabel Metcalf—proof that her parents either really loved children or really loved each other, or (most likely) both. Raised in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, she graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in 1954, where she learned the patience that would serve her well raising seven children of her own.

She was united in marriage to Swan J. Anderson on November 23, 1957, beginning a partnership that would produce the Anderson clan: Kelly, Michael, Patricia, Swan, Terrence, Cathy, and Ryan. With seven kids, Catherine ran her household with kindness, humor, and care—there was always room for one more at the table, even if that meant creative seating arrangements and the strategic rationing of dessert. And because she believed in covering all bases, she ensured each child received a Catholic school education and a solid foundation in faith. The nuns may have done the teaching, but Catherine made sure it stuck.

Catherine loved to travel, with Ireland and Italy among her favorite destinations. She had the best sense of humor, loved to laugh, tell stories, and play practical jokes on friends and family alike. A proud American with deep pride in her Irish heritage, she enjoyed watching the news and keeping abreast of current events. She loved her Catholic faith, attended Mass regularly, and prayed the Rosary every night before bed. After Swan’s death in 1981, Catherine took over running the family restaurant, Carpenter’s Steakhouse in Hugo, MN. She was affectionately known by the regular patrons as Miss Kitty. One of her favorite traditions at the restaurant was serving all-you-can-eat corned beef and cabbage every year on St. Patrick’s Day.

Catherine’s greatest legacy was love—not the kind found in greeting cards, but the real kind: the kind that shows up, stays up late, and never gives up. Nowhere was this more evident than in her lifelong devotion to her son Ryan, who has Down syndrome. She cared for him with endless patience, fierce pride, and boundless joy, teaching everyone who knew her the true meaning of unconditional love. Ryan was her blessing, and she made sure the world knew it. Their closeness and genuine love for each other inspired us all. She could be found with Ryan many nights at perpetual adoration at St. Peter’s, usually taking the early 4AM shift.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Jack, Frederick, William, Howard, Joseph, Robert, and Terrance; and sisters Irene Sullivan, Margaret Lewis, Maureen Schreder, and Patricia Kramchuck. One can only imagine the reunion happening right now—hopefully someone warned St. Peter that the Metcalfs were coming.

Catherine is survived by her children Kelly (Jennifer) Anderson, Michael Anderson, Patricia (Jon) Granger, Swan Anderson, Terrence Anderson, Cathy Sargent, and Ryan Anderson; grandchildren Mike (Kelsie), Swan (Lauren), Kyle, Mercedes, Reagan, Jacob, Michaela, Luke, Josephine, Nicholas, Cassidy, Robert, Angelina, and George; her sister Rosemarie O’Leary; sisters-in-law Evelyn, LaVonne, and Diane Metcalf, and Patricia Anderson; and a small village of nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren who will carry her memory forward.

Catherine and Ryan moved a year ago to live with her daughter Patricia and her family. Daughters Patricia and Cathy provided care for Catherine these last few months of her life. Catherine passed at peace, knowing that Ryan would be in good hands.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Croix Hospice for the kind and compassionate care provided to Catherine in her final days.

Catherine will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, devoted sister, cherished aunt, and friend to more people than we could possibly count. She taught us that family isn’t just who you’re born to—it’s the people you make room for at the table, even if it means dragging one more chair and cutting the pie into smaller pieces.

Rest easy, Mom. You’ve earned it!

Visitation 5-8 PM Wednesday, December 10th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Mass of Christian Burial 11AM Thursday, December 11th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at the Church of St. Peter, Forest Lake.  Interment, Calvary Cemetery.