Eleanor “Ellie” Burns Anderson, age 87, died April 19 at Martha and Mary Health Center in Poulsbo.

She was born to Harry and Margaret Mullen Burns in Seattle, on Feb. 15, 1917, the sixth of seven children.

Growing up in Seattle, she graduated from Holy Names Academy, earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Washington, and later a master’s degree from the University of Puget Sound.

She was a social worker who worked primarily with families and children. Her last professional position was in Tacoma working with adoption and foster-care placement for Catholic Community Services.

Always a dedicated volunteer, she was on the board for the Nativity House, a member of the St. Leo’s Catholic Parish, a member of the Gig Harbor Chapter of the American Assocation of University Women and a lifelong Democrat.

When she moved to Bainbridge Island from Gig Harbor, she quickly established deep roots and new friendships by involvement with the Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Island Association, her book group, line-dancing and exercise classes, as well as frequent visits to the Bainbridge public library.

She was a reader, traveler, berry picker and activist who had great empathy and respect for others.

She is survived by her children Alistair R. (Bob) Anderson, Jr. (Elizabeth Mariner) of Capitola, Calif.; Kenneth J. (Ken) Anderson (Sherri Robertson) of Seattle; Mary Jane (Molly) Anderson (Michael Corroone) of Woodinville; Elisabeth C. (Libby) Anderson (Michael Bonoff), of Bainbridge Island; Alicia E. (Lissy) Anderson (Richard Hagemeier) of Vancouver, Wash.; and Katherine F. “Kit” (Jim Laws) Anderson-Laws of Bainbridge Island.

She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister Jane Ellen of Portland, Ore.; and cousins Ellen Mullen of Seattle and Mary Frances of Spokane.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alistair R. Anderson, Sr., in 1970 and a daughter, Margaret Jean Anderson Looper, in 1988.

Services will be at 12 p.m. April 30 at St. Leo’s Church, 710 S. 13th St., Tacoma. A reception will follow at the home of Ann and Bill Evans, 1320 North Yakima, Tacoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nativity House 2304 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 98405. Arrangements are by Kass Funeral Home.