Dawn Mitchell Anderson went to be with the Lord on December 28, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Dawn was born on March 7, 1941, to Kenneth and Thelma Mitchell in Olean, NY.  Her father unexpectedly passed away in a work accident when Dawn was six months old.  Her mother married Ralph Robinson a year later.  Dawn grew up in a family of nine children and she often took care of her younger siblings.    

Dawn attended Nyack Missionary College and graduated with a degree in Bible.  After graduating, she moved to Norman, OK, to study linguistics in preparation for the mission field.  In 1962, Dawn met Stephen Anderson, a match truly made in heaven. They were married on July 27, 1963.  Dawn and Steve went on to have six children.  Dawn was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. She loved sharing about her Savior, Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible.

In May 1964, Steve and Dawn arrived in Brazil, serving with UFM (Unevangelized Fields Mission, now known as Crossworld).  They served the Yamomami people, living among them in their remote villages and learning their language.  Dawn's love for the indigenous people was evident as she tirelessly served as a nurse, saving countless from succumbing to malaria.  Her work during a tuberculosis outbreak was pivotal as she was a pioneer in diagnosing intestinal tuberculosis.  In 1984, Steve and Dawn transitioned to service with Wycliffe Bible Translators, helping to translate the Scriptures into the language of the Yanomami community they served.  

In 2010, Dawn retired from her overseas missionary service after 47 years in Brazil.  After initially settling in Winchester, KY, she later spent her last years in Hanover, PA, at her daughter, Shelly's home. Dawn loved to play her piano and sing, even humming and tapping her fingers in her final days.   

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather. She is survived by many loving family members, including her devoted husband, Steve Anderson, and three daughters, Debby (Ned) Thomas of Eagle Pass, TX, Candy (Mark) Garrett of Winchester, KY,  Shelly (Calvin) Brain of Hanover, PA, and three sons, Mark (Renae) Anderson of Grants Pass, OR,  Marvin Anderson of Bandon, OR, and Mike (Kelli) Anderson of Holland, MI.  She leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 8 brothers and sisters and their families.

A celebration of her life will be held on February 8 at 11:00 am. at Hanover Community Church, 1959 Smith Station Rd, Hanover, PA 17331.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Compassion International to continue to share God's tangible love which was her life's song.

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