Lois J. Anderson of New Canaan, Connecticut passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at the age of 87 with her husband and daughter by her side. Lois was born May 31, 1929 to Orrin and Maxcie Kahl in Freeport, Illinois. Lois grew up in Freeport, Illinois where she started on her path of service to the community. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class, was an active volunteer, played the flute and most of all, met her lifelong love. She attended her beloved Northwestern University and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in psychology after marrying her junior high school sweetheart, Harlan Anderson (Andy). Lois moved to Boston when Andy was recruited to MIT’s computer project. Lois also worked at MIT in the psychology department before starting a family, ultimately choosing to raise their three children and devote herself to community service. She was a lover of music, particularly the Boston Symphony Orchestra, was an avid tennis player and had the good fortune to travel extensively around the world with family and friends. She also played a mean game of ping pong in her time. After moving to New Canaan in 1966, Lois became involved in many civic organizations and projects - there are too many to name them all. Her passion was to make the world a better place for those in need, especially seniors. She was a leader of the Meals on Wheels program and loved delivering meals in the community. She chaired the Town Council on Aging, served on the board of Visiting Nurse and Hospice, was a board member of the Southwest Connecticut Area Agency on Aging, and was a founding board member of the Schoolhouse Apartments. She was a longtime supporter, friend, and advocate of Waveny Care Center. She served on the board, helped with the capital campaign for the Village, and with Andy, was instrumental in the founding of the New Canaan Inn. She was involved in the New Canaan Community Foundation from its inception and served on the board as well as many committees. Lois was actively involved in the Congregational Church of New Canaan where she was the first woman to chair the Board of Trustees and served in various ways throughout the church. She was active for years with the League of Women Voters and with the American Association of University Women where she received Woman of the Year awards from both the New Canaan and State chapters. She was also an active member of Woodway Country Club. Lois was passionate about making a philanthropic difference in addition to her personal involvement. She administered the Harlan and Lois Anderson Family Foundation for many years before passing the torch to her children. She was a strong supporter of educational programs including Norwalk Community College’s programs to support women furthering their education and she created a scholarship program at Northwestern University to assist students from her hometown area. Philanthropy and service to the community were values cherished by Lois and passed on to her children and grandchildren. Lois is survived by her husband of 66 years, Harlan Anderson and her three children: Brian of Monument, Colorado, Greg (Carol) of Boulder, Colorado and Susan (Jo) of Longmont, Colorado as well as her grandchildren, Scott (Sue), Christine (Vincent) and Matthew. Additionally, she is survived by her sister Betsy Dubey (Pete), brother Kenneth Kahl (Carolyn) and is pre-deceased by her brother, Leonard. She had many nieces and nephews and their children. She is also survived by many, many beloved friends in New Canaan. Her family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers, friends, and angels who have supported her these past few years. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday May 12, 2017 at 1:00PM in the Congregational Church of New Canaan, Park Street, New Canaan. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, Waveny Care Center, or the charity of your choice. For online condolences and directions please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com