MARY GRACE (CRABTREE) ANDERSON
1940 - 2023
Mary Grace (Crabtree) Anderson, 82, of Omaha, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at 10:15 pm on January 11, 2023 in Hudson, Florida, after a short illness.
Preceded in death by parents, John Byron and Winnie Genevieve Crabtree; siblings Jerry Crabtree (Ginny), Joyce Langer (Frank) and brother in law Fred Cross; Survived by husband Craig Anderson; children, Barry Kussman (Kelley), Mark Kussman (Jackie), Jill Collins (Tim), Michael Kussman (Robin); siblings, Jack Crabtree (Holly), Jane Cross and Jody Dworak; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary was born October 5th 1940 in Peru, Nebraska. The daughter of Winnie Genevieve and John Byron Crabtree, she was the last child born at the family home. Mary graduated from Peru High School in 1958. She was married to Larry Lee Kussman from 1962 – 1982. They had 4 children; Barry Lee and his wife Kelley, of Omaha, Ne, Mark Joseph and his wife Jackie of Bozeman, Montana, Jill Maree Collins and her husband Tim of Omaha, Ne, Michael Lynn and his wife Robin of Omaha, Ne.
Mary graduated from nursing school in October 1976, contributing to the lives of many over her 28 year career, retiring in 2005. Mary loved being a nurse, she was a natural caretaker her entire life. She impacted many lives during her nursing career and her patients left lasting memories.
She married Craig Anderson in 1985, an honest and kind man, born and raised in Storm Lake, Iowa. They were perfect together, truly soul mates and the love of each other’s lives. Partners in every way, loving, encouraging, loyal and adventurous. With Craig by her side, Mary had a blessed, happy life. They saw the world together, making many cherished memories. Avid baseball fans, they attended every College World Series in Omaha since 1984. Mary and Craig spent winters in Florida after retiring, often taking in Spring Training baseball games and seeing all that Florida had to offer.
Mary had a way of disarming people and easily making friends of strangers everywhere they went. Typically with 3 simple words, “What’s your background?” She’d smile and genuinely listen with interest as new friends would detail what they deemed most important in their lives.
A devoted mother, wife and “Nana”. Her family always came first, she was quick to share how much she loved them and made sure everyone knew how proud she was. A wonderful mother who was always there for support and guidance. She will be dearly missed. The world is truly a better place for having had her in it.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 9, 1:30pm, at Christ Community Church, 404 S. 108 Ave. Omaha NE. Memorials to American Lung Association.