Ellen Helene (Fossom) Anderson, age 95, died Wednesday, July 6, 2005, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin.

She was born to Ole P. and Gina (Gravlie) Fossom in Albert Lea on July 11, 1909. She attended grade school in Manchester, was confirmed in Norwegian at Freeborn Central Church and graduated from Albert Lea High School. Ellen also attended one year of teachers college in Mankato, after which she taught school for three years. For nine years during the Depression she was WPA District Sewing Supervisor for the 26 southern counties in Minnesota. She then volunteered for WAC Army service and spent two years in London with OSS during the blitz and World War H. Speaking fluent Norwegian, she was co-director with King Christian, of the Danish Underground Movement based in London. After the German surrender she transferred the office to Copenhagen, where she served for a time. She was decorated by the CIA and the King of Denmark.

In 1946 Ellen married John G. Anderson. They farmed in Dexter Township until his retirement when they moved to the Village of Sargeant. For 40 years she was active in the United Methodist Women of the Sargeant Methodist Church, and a member of the Brownsdale Study Club. She, was active in church work, charity drives, Home Extension, and Farm Bureau in Dexter Township. For several years she made her home at the Cedars of Austin.

Ellen is survived by her two sisters: Erna Brown and Edna Severson, both of Albert Lea; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; and two brothers: Wegner and Ole Fossom.

Ellen’s body was bequeathed to Mayo Clinic for education. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at Clasen-Jordan Chapel, Austin, with the Rev. Debbie King Quale officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the charity of your choice.