ANNE HELEN METCALFE ANDERSON

Anne H. Metcalf, 66, of St. Charles, IL, peacefully returned to the comfort of our Lord on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Anne was born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on June 16, 1957, to Samuel Jr. and Joyce Metcalfe (nee Lafferty).

Anne’s father, Samuel, was a Military Intelligence Officer in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. With the utmost respect and admiration for her father, Anne looked to him as the standard for the merits of hard work and dedication. The family relocated frequently with the Army, and Anne became very close with her three brothers, Samuel, Jonathan, and Christopher, while growing up. Anne’s brothers were her closest and only consistent friends throughout the constant moves. Though moving challenging for a growing girl, Anne was always proud to be an “Army Brat.”  Anne, the second oldest after her brother Sam, took pride in helping her mother care for her two younger brothers. Throughout her primary and secondary education, she attended various schools in Europe and the United States. After graduating from high school, Anne’s impressive academic record led to her acceptance at the prestigious Marymount University in Arlington, Anne graduated and immediately entered the workforce after earning her Associate’s degree in Merchandising and Buying.

A true Renaissance Woman, Anne’s professional life is awe-inspiring in its breadth and technical achievements. With excellence defining her, was equally impressive in her role as a certified esthetician as well as a certified gemologist, gaining expertise in the analysis of diamonds and other rare gems. Demonstrating her versatility, Anne pivoted for a time to the hospitality industry as a hotel manager. She was even an emergency medical technician, was on the national ski patrol, and aided with wilderness search and rescue. While her career achievements are vast, Anne’s most distinguished contributions were exemplified through her federal service, directly enabling critical United States Air Force missions, where she handled the defense of the nation and its interests.

Beginning in 2004, Anne entered federal service with the Air Force stationed at the US European Command (EUCOM) in Stuttgart, Germany. In her role as a Special Assistant to the Division Chief, Headquarters US EUCOM, Plans and Operations Center, Antiterrorism Division, Anne demonstrated tremendous loyalty to the Nation, an unsurpassed commitment to the mission, and courageously did what was right, even when faced with personal risk.  After performing her duties with distinction in Europe, Anne returned to the United States in 2006 to continue service to the country at US Air Force Materiel Command, National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. In her role as Intelligence Administrative Support, Anne, as always, navigated the challenges of a high-level security operating environment with impeccable skill, care, and discretion.

In 2004, in Stuttgart, Anne first met the future love of her life, Keith, at EUCOM. Anne and Keith started dating in 2007 and were married the following year on January 29, 2008, in the Place d’Armes Hotel in the French Quarter of New Orleans. With Anne’s enormous love and respect for her father, it was no surprise to anyone who knew her that chose to spend the rest of her life with a military man.  Together, Anne and Keith share five adult children in marriage. With her love of travel and new places, Anne was prepared for wherever Keith’s position in the military would take them. 

As a woman of the world with impeccable taste, Anne was always poised, polished, and knowledgeable on matters from the latest fashion trends to the political arena. Equally at ease conversing with experts from a broad array of backgrounds and discussing matters of the home and family, Anne made all feel welcome and acknowledged. Intelligent but not boastful, resourceful but still elegant, Anne embodied femininity. Though her career achievements were a testament to her perseverance and drive, Anne’s home and family were her pride and joy. With a keen eye for interior design, Anne carefully curated her home, her masterpiece. Similarly, Anne took great pride in presenting herself with elegance and effortless style, even if only journeying to the grocery store. She had an unmatched sense of style and truly loved fashion.  Though she dressed modestly, Anne still followed the latest trends, adding her special touch of class to each look she put together.

From her youth, Anne loved to sail and had her own sailboat. Anne shared that she felt a sense of freedom and calm when out on the water.  She loved art in all forms, whether she was drawing or painting; Anne loved to express herself through her pieces. She also loved being outdoors, riding her bike in the warmer months and skiing in the winter.  When Anne and Keith settled in the Chicagoland area, Anne joined the Chicago Area Divas Club, a ladies social group that organizes various events and outings.  She loved to garden and poured her energy into growing a variety of plants, vegetables, and flowers. Anne loved to express herself in the kitchen as well and could create complex dishes from scratch with ease.  She loved to feed her family and see the smiles on their faces as they enjoyed her homemade creations. Anne radiated confidence, yet she truly held a servant’s heart. In all things, Anne brought joy, love, and light. In all places, Anne brought beauty.

Anne will be dearly missed by all who knew her, especially those who knew her best, her family. Anne has been reunited with her parents Samuel Jr. and Joyce Metcalfe, and her brother Christopher Metcalfe.

Anne’s legacy will live on through the love of her life and husband of 16 years, Keith Anderson. Her five children; Stephan Antal, Christopher Antal, Michael (Elizabeth Grischkowsky) Anderson, Kathryn Anderson, and Hank (Morgan) Anderson. Two grandchildren; Elek Antal and Leon Anderson. Her two brothers; Samuel Metcalfe and Jonathan Metcalfe, Several Nieces and Nephews, and innumerable friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 10:00a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Conley Funeral Home in Elburn, IL. Interment will take place in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Anne’s family asks that you donate to a charity of your choice.  Tributes may be shared on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 10:00a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Conley Funeral Home in Elburn, IL. Interment will take place in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Anne’s family asks that you donate to a charity of your choice. Tributes may be shared on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook page, or at www.conleycare.com.