From Susan’s Desk
November 4, 2021
It is great sadness that Josselyn bids goodbye to Mark Anderson, a board member from 1993-2002 and who also served as chair during that time, trustee and Golf Committee Tri-Chair. Mark was born in 1951, the same year that Josselyn was established, and a good deal of his life was dedicated to supporting our mission.
Many people who knew Mark described him as a kind soul, the nicest guy you will ever meet, an all-around good guy, and a real gentleman.
He possessed a quiet grace and warmth that immediately put people at ease any time he was around. Surely, God must have agreed because He never let it rain on any of Mark’s annual golf fundraisers for Josselyn for nearly a quarter of a century.
“I had not played golf in years, but when Mark started the Josselyn Golf Tournament, I took lessons 3-4 times a week to prepare for the event, just so I could support him,” said Sherwin Shenfeld, another Golf Committee Tri-Chair and Josselyn board member. Mark instilled that kind of commitment.
His beloved wife, Mary Beth shared several wonderful stories about Mark at his funeral mass, including how Mark always listened to Viet Nam Veteran’s phone calls for support. Patiently, every time. When Mary Beth finally asked him why he did that, he said, “They served, so I didn’t have to, and I want to show them my gratitude.”
I enjoyed Mark immensely and I was so grateful for his stalwart support of Josselyn over the years, but it was at his funeral recessional where I had shared yet another “Amazing” connection with Mark. A bagpiper played Amazing Grace and it gave me chills because that is not only one of my family’s favorite hymns, and was played at my mother’s memorial, but I am also a member of the Anderson Clan and possess many blankets and scarves in the Anderson plaid.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mark’s honor to Josselyn, the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter, or the Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation.
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. Godspeed, Mark.
Mark’s son Chris, Mark, and Mark’s guests in 2014.
Mark, his wife Mary Beth, and guest in 2010.
