GRACIA ANN  GERAGHTY ANDERSON
Gracia Ann Geraghty Anderson was born on February 28, 1941, in Seattle, Washington, to Edwina and Patrick Geraghty. She grew up in Seattle and attended Holy Names Academy, where she developed the faith and compassion that shaped her life. She later graduated from Sacred Heart Nursing School in Spokane.

In 1962, she married the love of her life, Don Anderson, Jr.—a bond that lasted nearly 65 years and formed the foundation of a life centered around family, service, and joy. Together they raised three sons in Spokane, building a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

Gracia's care for others was seen in many ways. Her music for decades at church and beyond often brought people to tears but certainly put joy in their hearts. Her performance talents were also shared with charitable endeavors around Spokane when she often played the lead in stage performances to raise money for those causes.

Gracia built a distinguished career as a pediatric registered nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital, where she became a pioneer in the field of Child Life Therapy. She recognized the emotional needs of children facing medical procedures and responded with innovation and heart. She developed a line of therapeutic puppets called Pete and Pals, which she used to explain complex medical experiences to young patients in comforting, accessible ways. She also created a series of educational videos featuring Pete and Pals that helped prepare children for their hospital visits. Her work made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children and families, and helped shape how pediatric care was delivered across the country. Her warm grace was felt by all who needed care, and even in the most impossible circumstances, she was always there for comfort.

However, her greatest joy was family, which to her also included friends. Everyone who came through her door felt the warmest welcome and unconditional love. She was the joyful, steady heart of her family. Her most happy times came in simple joys: a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones, peaceful mornings at Priest Lake, the company of good friends, and the closeness of her children and grandchildren.

To her grandchildren, she was "Nana"—a gentle, generous, fun, and wise presence who made every visit feel like a special occasion. Whether baking huckleberry cobbler, sharing a story, playing a game or simply listening, Nana made each grandchild feel uniquely loved and cherished.

Gracia passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, in Olympia, surrounded by family. She is preceded in death by her husband Don and her parents, Edwina and Patrick Geraghty. She is survived by her sons Ken, Jeff, and Tom Anderson; daughters-in-law Cindi and Nancy; and seven beloved grandchildren and many of her dear siblings.

Gracia's Funeral Mass will be held at St Micheal Parish in Olympia, WA on Thursday June 12th at 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a cherished place Gracia helped create - Priest Lake Memory Gardens, PO Box 32, Coolin, ID 83821.