Linda Rae Andersen

Linda Rae Andersen, 75, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with gallbladder cancer. Linda was born on Easter Sunday, March 25, 1951, in Pueblo, CO, to Ray and Ruth McClatchey. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother who touched countless lives with her kindness and warmth.

Linda is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, David Andersen; her two sons, Derek Edward Andersen (45) and Jason Lee Andersen (43); and her sister, Shirley Haithwaite. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Ruth McClatchey, and her brother, Frank McClatchey.

A graduate of the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy in 1977, Linda met Dave, her future husband, while he was a newly Commissioned Pharmacy Officer in the United States Army. They married in Denver, CO, on November 5, 1977, and together journeyed through multiple states, including Hawaii, Texas, Colorado, and Alabama, as Dave pursued his military career. Linda practiced pharmacy in each of these locations, sharing her expertise and compassion with all she served.

During her time in Colorado Springs, CO, Linda became a paralegal, demonstrating her lifelong love for learning and helping others. After moving to Columbia, SC, in 2001 due to Dave’s assignment to Ft. Jackson, Linda chose to make Columbia their permanent home. She continued her professional journey as a Pharmacy Consultant for the law firm of Nelson Mullins, Riley, and Scarborough, where she worked until her retirement in 2018.

Linda’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. She found joy in bread baking, sewing, photography, and gardening, and had a fondness for collecting American Girl dolls. She will be remembered as a loving mother and wife, and truly one of the kindest people you could ever meet. Linda’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and a gentle spirit that made the world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Linda’s name to the South Carolina Oncology Associates Cares (SCOA Cares), honoring her memory and supporting others in need.