Claudette (Edwards) Anderson

Claudette (Edwards) Anderson, age 82, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026.

She was born on February 17, 1944, in Grand Rapids to the late Claude and Estelle (Sczepanski) Edwards. Claudette was the youngest of four children and was preceded in death by her siblings, Rozan Butterworth, Carolyn Berry, and Jack Edwards; and by her nephew, Todd Berry.

She is lovingly survived by her three daughters: Kimberly Allen and her children, Claudia Allen (Brendan Schroetenboer) and Cooper Allen (Itzel Mejia-Barraza); Jodi (Rodney) Warfield and her children, Jordan Berry (Nate Bell) and Nolan (Summer) Berry; and Shelly Richards and her children, Michael Olmstead and Brooklyn Morgan (Aaron Brown). She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and a nephew.

A lifelong Westsider, Claudette was proud of her Polish heritage. She loved dancing the polka and looked forward to celebrating Pulaski Days each year. She graduated from Union High School in 1962 after attending Catholic schools for most of her childhood. She often joked that “they kicked her out,” though her family was never quite sure whether to believe that story.

Known to family and close friends as “Dutch,” and affectionately called Baboo, Nana, and Gramma by her grandchildren, Claudette built lifelong friendships during her career at General Motors.

She was an avid animal lover who cared for many dogs and cats throughout her life. Her favorite was Stasha, her notoriously temperamental cat, who seemed to love only her. Claudette also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, gardening, antiquing, birdwatching, and hosting cherished Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings for those she loved.

Claudette was a breast cancer survivor whose strength was evident throughout her life. In her early 60s, she was diagnosed with rod-cone dystrophy, a progressive eye disease that dramatically changed her lifestyle and eventually required her to rely on full-time assistance. Though fiercely independent and admittedly stubborn about accepting help, she was deeply grateful for the care and support of her loved ones.

Her grandson Cooper became her favorite caretaker, and together they shared countless conversations reminiscing about “the old times.” Her grandchildren were her greatest source of joy. She especially loved hearing about Jordan’s many travel adventures and delighted in listening to books and sharing stories with family and friends.

Although Claudette gradually lost her sight, she never lost her ability to see the goodness in others. Her legacy of love, resilience, kindness, and compassion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In accordance with Claudette’s wishes, no services will be held at this time.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Emmanuel Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. Those wishing to honor Claudette’s memory are invited to make memorial contributions to Emmanuel Hospice.