Dorothy Jean (Cunningham) Anderson

February 11, 1933  -  September 8, 2026

Dorothy Jean (Cunningham) Anderson, 93, of Zionsville, IN, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026.

Dorothy was born on February 11, 1933, in LaPorte, IN, to Otto and Evelyn (Hunt) Cunningham, as the youngest of three children. The family later moved to South Bend, where Dorothy graduated from Riley High School. She went on to briefly attend Indiana University Bloomington, where she studied pre-med.

After returning to South Bend, Dorothy worked for the Central Blood Bank. She later married and devoted herself full-time to raising her two children, Susan and Michael—a role that would always remain closest to her heart.

As her children grew older, Dorothy began a new chapter at the University of Notre Dame, working as an administrative assistant in the Department of Theology. She retired after 22 years of dedicated service and remained a devoted Notre Dame fan. For many years, she was a football season ticket holder and enjoyed cheering on the Irish.

Above all, Dorothy treasured her family. Being a mom, grandma, and aunt brought her the greatest joy. She also loved reading, needlepoint, card club, bingo, lunches with friends, and traveling with her sister, Shirley. The relationships she built and maintained throughout her life were deeply important to her.

Dorothy's faith was a steady and meaningful part of her life. She was most recently a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in South Bend, where she worshipped for many years.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Monty) Miller of Coatesville, IN; niece, Jenny (Boyd) Hollabaugh of Plymouth, IN; nephew, Jesse (Janice) Vadas of Carmel, IN; her grandchildren, Jack (Sara) Cleary of Camp Pendleton, CA; Maggie (Tyler) Thompson of Greencastle, IN; Morgan Anderson, Megan Anderson; niece Margie Stein, as well as her many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Michael Anderson; her sister, Shirley Wolf; her brother, Richard Cunningham; and her parents, Otto and Evelyn Cunningham.

Dorothy's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary care team at Independence Village Zionsville West for the kindness and compassion they showed her, especially during her final days.

Final arrangements are being handled by Simplicity Funeral & Cremation Care in Zionsville. A private celebration of Dorothy's life will be held with immediate family at a later date. The regular Sunday church service on September 20 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church will be held in memory of Dorothy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial contributions be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or to a local humane society in Dorothy's memory.

9/11/2026  djb

https://www.simplicityfuneralandcremationcare.com/obituaries/Dorothy-Jean-Anderson?obId=49552517