Obituary of Anne Louise Elder

ANNE FEILD ELDER, age 92, a resident of the Rydal Park Retirement Community and formerly of Jenkintown, PA died on July 13, 2014. She was the devoted wife of the late Robert M. Elder for 59 years until his death in 2003. Anne was a native of Oklahoma and was born in Enid, a daughter of pioneers, her grandfather, Dr. Richard Feild, made the land run into the Cherokee Strip of Oklahoma on September 16, 1893. She was the daughter of the late George Feild and the late Anne Wallace Feild. Anne graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City and later from the University of Oklahoma. Anne was a devoted wife, mother, homemaker and grandmother. She was active in her community and had served on the Women's Board of Abington Memorial Hospital for 55 years and had served as chairperson for their June Fete in 1964 and 1968. Additionally, Anne served on the Charlotte Cushman Club Board of Managers in 1996, 1997 and 2000 and on the Board of trustees for three terms. She served on the Board of Trustees of the University of the Arts and as Emeritus from 2006-2007. Anne also served on the board of the International House of Philadelphia and was International House Ball Chairman in 1966. She was a Board Member of African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, a member of the Junior League of Philadelphia and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She hosted Up With People casts in the 1970's, when daughter Mary was involved. Anne was a long-time member of Abington Presbyterian Church and served on their Music at Abington Committee. Anne had a bright spirit that attracted people to her and made many lifelong friends. She was an amazing woman who loved people and had an enthusiasm for everything she did; whether it was the five decades of volunteer work she did for so many organizations; to chairing the New Year's Eve party at Rydal Park for 10 years. She loved her adopted city of Philadelphia and everything it had to offer. No one visited from out of town without a tour of the city. She was smart and fun and a delight to her children and grandchildren who loved to spend summers and holidays with "GrAnne". She enjoyed traveling with her beloved husband, Bob, after his retirement, and visited many parts of the world. Kenya, especially, became a favorite place and the means for her and her husband both to be asked to be on the Board of African Fund for Endangered Wildlife in Nairobi, Kenya. The organization helped save the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and Black Rhino. Anne is survived by her daughter, Martha Carpenter of Raleigh, NC; and by her grandchildren: Elsie Carpenter of Raleigh, NC, Andrew Atchley and his wife Sarah of Denver, CO, Sarah Hunt and her husband Mark of Del Mar, CA, Allison Dickson and her husband Neal of Dallas, TX and Robert Carter of Blowing, Rock, NC and by her great-grandchildren; Harper Dickson, John Dickson and Donevan Hunt. Anne was preceded in death by her daughters; Laurie Atchley and Mary Carter. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 24, 2014, Auditorium of Rydal Park, 1515 The Fairway, Jenkintown. Interment will be held privately in Enid Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to Women's Board of Abington Memorial Hospital, 1200 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001 or to Handy Training Centers, Inc., 5921 Wakefield St., Philadelphia, PA 19144.