Catherine (Brugger) Anderson
Obituary
Cathy, born December 6, 1945 in Los Angeles, the first child of Walter and Margaret Brugger, died peacefully at Healdsburg Hospital on July 22, 2025. She graduated from California State University Los Angeles and got her teaching degree in 1968. She is survived by David Anderson, MD, her husband of 56 years; her son, Donald (Anna); daughter, Jennifer (Jeremy); son, Barrett (Autumn); and daughter, Julia (Michael). And of course 5 beautiful and caring granddaughters, spread all over the world.
During the Vietnam War, Cathy and David were fortunately stationed in Bangkok, Thailand, also at the U.S. Embassy Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar) even at the River Kwai! She loved Thai culture and food, and her appreciation of other cultures grew. She loved to travel and experience other environments. She was compassionate about the needs of others, and it showed in her everyday life. And her children learned (or inherited) that important trait from her!
After their military time, they moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan for three years, then to Healdsburg in 1973. It was much different then, but they were attracted by its plaza, small town charm and warm reception. And Catelli's in Geyserville!
Fortunately for Cathy and David, all of their children were at her bedside in her last days.
She is remembered by many for her beautiful and warm smile. In the many notes David received after her passing, almost all of them mentioned her smile and beauty. Of course he noticed that from the moment they met in 1967!
She was very active in the Healdsburg and Geyserville community, being a founding member of the local AAUW, on the Geyserville School Board, participating in book clubs, garden clubs, pétanque teams, bridge clubs and the Healdsburg Historical Society. She was a talented artist but perhaps her greatest strength was her methods of raising four wonderful and talented children. She was very accepting of others, and although known as a gifted "talker," she was also a good listener and learner.
She was most interested in her large family, always welcoming them with her warm smile, good food, and of course her famous graham cracker brownies. She was happiest when family and friends visited, and they all knew it.
A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 PM December 6, 2025 (her 80th birthday) at Trentadue Winery in Geyserville. More details will follow.
Published in Healdsburg Tribune · September 2, 2025