October 28, 1972 – October 2, 2017

Carlena Jo Anderson entered the arms of her loving Savior on October 2, 2017. Carlena was born October 28, 1972, in El Paso, Texas at William Beaumont Army Hospital, Fort Bliss, to Joseph and Michelle Anderson. Carlena and her family moved back to their hometown of Forks, Washington in 1973, and she grew up in Forks surrounded by family and friends.

She graduated from Forks High School in 1991 and moved to Port Angeles to attend school and work. In 1994 her life was made complete when her daughter Nicole Brooke was born. She and Nicole made their life in Chehalis, Washington to live near her parents.

Carlena completed her AA degree in Business at Centralia College and began her employment at Washington State Labor and Industries in 1999.

Carlena spent her life giving to others in every way. She emulated compassion and kindness to everyone she met. She served in her church in AWANA program at First Baptist Church, teaching and showing God’s love to many children.

She impacted her colleagues and coworkers at L & I with her dedication, thoroughness, and winning attitude in her 18 years of service. Her greatest accomplishment was the raising of her beautiful, strong daughter Nicole. Carlena worked tirelessly to give Nicole a fulfilled and wonderful life. They share an amazing bond that can never be broken.

Carlena is survived by her daughter Nicole, her parents Joe and Michelle Anderson, her sister Erika Sandstrom and brother-in-law John, nephews Kyle and Kobe Sandstrom, her grandmother Joelene Wittenborn of Forks, WA, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is also survived by her “unbiological” sisters and best friends: Teri Leo, Kathy Coburn, and Lisa Blevins.

We will be celebrating Carlena’s life on her 45th birthday, October 28, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Chehalis, WA: 1866 S. Market Street at 1:00 pm. We invite family and friends to share and remember her with us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carlena’s name to: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Attn: Donations, PO Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109-1023, or online at seattlecca.org/donate