Almeda J. Anderson

After 96 remarkable years filled with travel, teaching, and the love of family, Almeda Jane (Symons) Anderson passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024. A lifelong resident of East Greenwich, Almeda was born on June 5, 1928, on Queen Street to George and Bertha Symons. The youngest of five sisters—Winifred, Dorothy, Marion, and Mary—Almeda cherished her childhood, spending time at Goddard Park and summers on the family farm in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. She attended Eldredge School and East Greenwich Academy before commuting daily by train to Rhode Island College where she proudly became the first in her family to earn a college degree in education.

Almeda dedicated 25 years to teaching elementary school in East Greenwich, where she made a lasting impact on countless students. Most of her career was spent teaching 2nd grade at Eldredge and Frenchtown Schools. Her dedication to her students and passion for education touched the lives of many in the community.

In the early 1950s, Almeda met her husband, Harold, when he picked her up outside the East Greenwich Theater for a water safety training class. They soon married and had two daughters, Claudia and Erica. In keeping with tradition, all the women in the family, including Almeda, her daughters, her three granddaughters, and her great-granddaughter share the middle name Jane. Almeda found immense joy in her role as a grandmother to her four grandchildren: Elizabeth, Matthew, Hilary, and Kelsey. In her later years, she shared a deep companionship with her dear friend, Clyde Bennett.

An avid traveler throughout her life, Almeda visited 47 countries and explored countless states. She walked daily in Goddard Park and was also a cross-country skier. Almeda served as a lifelong docent at Roger Williams Park Zoo and volunteered at the North Kingstown Free Library. A lover of literature, she shared her passion for classic novels with her children and grandchildren. Almeda was also a fan of PBS Masterpiece Theater and Jeopardy, and she never passed up the chance for a savory treat, often saying she’d have “just one bite.” She was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church for her entire life.

Almeda’s absence will be deeply felt by her daughters, Claudia Barrett and Erica Fisk (Mitchel); her grandchildren, Elizabeth Fisk (Ross), Matthew Fisk (Sara), Hilary Hanners (Zachary), and Kelsey Tiberio (Michael); and her great-grandchildren, Ruby and Gus Hanners, and Rooney Imburgia. She is predeceased by her husband, Harold, her son-in-law, William, and her dear friend, Clyde. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to The Seasons for their unwavering kindness and care in her final years.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Wednesday September 25th at 10:00 at the East Greenwich United Methodist Church, 1558 South County Trail, East Greenwich. Burial will be private. Calling hours: Tuesday September 24th from 4-6 pm in the Hill Funeral Home, East Greenwich.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Almeda’s memory.