Resident Profile:
Carolyn Anderson

Born in 1941, Carolyn Anderson grew up on the south side of Milwaukee. She and her family belonged to St. Stephen's parish. Her father Clemens, and mother, Dorothy had a family of six daughters: Carolyn, Elaine, Kathleen, Ruth Anne, Margaret and Elizabeth. Carolyn's dad made his living as a welder for Allis Chalmers.

As a girl, Carolyn and her friends loved to figure state at nearby Hollar Park on 6th Street. She enjoyed the spins and jumps the sport involves. She also had a fascination with art, and she spent many happy hours drawing and painting. As she tells it "I would paint on anything! Cardboard, paper, canvas, it didn't matter, just so long as I was doing art." Her subjects were contemporary landscapes.

Carolyn attended Bay View High School. She was especially interested in languages and was a member of the French Club and the English Club. To this day, she is still interested in the French and Latin languages.

Upon completing high school, Carolyn enlisted in the Women's Army Core. She completed her basic training at Fort McCullen, Alabama. From there, she went to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where she received medical training. After completing her training, she was stationed at Fort Leonard, Missouri, where she worked in an outpatient clinic. "It was amazing!" says Carolyn. "We met so many people. On some days more than 200 people would come to the clinic for medical attention."

Carolyn met her husband, Tommie R. Anderson in 1960 while he was working for the Army Core of Engineers. They were married soon after, and lived in Germany for two and half years before returning to the States in 1965. Tommie soon found work as a small engine repair man at Briggs and Straton. Carolyn and Tommie were married for 27 years until his passing. The couple have 4 children: 3 sons, David, Dean, and Douglass; and a daughter, Regina. Carolyn has three grandchildren.

Carolyn moved into Three Oaks Circle right after construction was completed. She was attracted to the fact that the facility is a HUD property. Carolyn stays active by publishing her own monthly newsletter, "The Tattletale." Carolyn also hosts a tea party once a month. "It's a time for sharing." Carol explains. "I'm glad to be here." adds Carolyn. "What really makes the place is the people, and the staff is great too."

Three Oaks Circle was named for two sisters of St. Francis, Sister Regina and Sister Ann Mary, and for the Indian Council. Three oaks were planted on the property to honor them. Carolyn smiles when she tells us that "If we had an oak tree for every good wish we residents send to the Sisters of St. Francis, this place would look like a forest."