Maria Carmen Anderson

Maria Carmen Anderson, aged 61, of Smithsburg, Maryland, departed this world on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, surrounded by her family at home. Maria was born to parents Anthony Yow and Maria Mootinag on December 8, 1962, in Colonia, Yap of the Micronesian Islands. Her father died when she was 4 years old. She went to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and private school as a child and moved to Guam as a teenager for her high school. She moved back to Yap where she met and fell in love with her husband. Maria got to travel the world creating a family of her own. She is preceded in passing by her parents and brothers Daniel and Robert.

Her life was a testament to the power of unconditional love — Maria worked in retail and at times as a stay-at-home mother. She was the unfaltering heartbeat of her family, pouring out care, kindness, and support in endless measure. Maria's essence was one of selfless devotion; she was eternally nurturing, caring, giving, and above all, loving.

Maria's faith was as steadfast as her love for her family. For 39 remarkable years, she shared her life with her beloved husband, Arthur Warren Anderson, Jr., in the military, later settling down in the town of Smithsburg, where together they built a life rich in joy and shared memories.

Maria's spirit lives on through her adored children: Shannaa Marie Bidle (Josh) of Myersville, MD, Michelle Leigh Anderson of Smithsburg, MD; and Arthur Warren Anderson, III, of New Bern, NC. Her legacy blossoms in the lives of her cherished grandchildren: Easton Joshua Bidle, Avaleigh Grace Bidle, Iris Anthale Malkowicz, and Aven Tyr Mallory. Her memory will also be carried forward by her brothers, Ephrem Gowaath of Gulfport, MS, and Lawrence Goofel (Dee) of Waynesboro, PA, and sister, Kutie Mangatinag of Bosier, LA.

Family and friends are invited to gather and honor Maria's memory. The viewing opens at 10:00 am followed by her Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742. A burial will follow at Smithsburg Cemetery, 8698 West Water Street, Smithsburg, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carmelite Monastery in Carmel, CA in Maria's memory. Maria’s love and warmth touched many hearts, and though she will be dearly missed, her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her to live with compassion, generosity, and love.