Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 17, 2023 PASSING | FROM PAGE 1 cillor Murphy said that she and Anderson had been friends for about 50 years, dating back to the days the pair would pass out campaign flyers, both catching the political bug early in life. “She was a friend, a colleague, a mentor, an inspiration, a sounding board, a wonderful caring person and a true blue and gold Maldonian,” Murphy said. “Karen and I met when we were teenagers delivering political flyers. Our paths separated for decades, but when I became a Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Former City Clerk Karen Anderson was there when Mayor Gary Christenson signed his first paper on his first day on the job in the top post in 2012. (Courtesy/City of Malden) she always knew what to do, when to do it and how to do it Our 50th Anniversary Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! Chris 2023 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! NEW STORE HOURS: Mon. - Sat.: 9AM - 6PM Sunday & Holidays: 9AM - 5PM --------HUMIDORS ON SALE! STARTING AT $99. COMPLETE! --------ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPECIALS! Cigars with Green Labels, Buy 2, Get 1 Free! MARCH MADNESS CONTINUES!! Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 all with grace,” Mayor Christenson added. “She will be missed!” Anderson was born on Dec. 28, 1954, in Danbury, Conn., third of four children of the late Robert and Barbara (Kelley) Anderson. Upon her father’s death, her mother returned the family to her native Malden. She attended Browne Junior High and Malden High School and graduated from UMass Boston, magna cum laude, with a B.A. in economics. Anderson worked for several years as a legislative aide to former state Rep. John C. McNeil (D-Malden) and was appointed City Clerk of Malden by the City Council in 1984, taking over for the well-known Joe Croken, who had also served many years in the post. She was City Clerk and chair of the Board of Registrar of Voters until her retirement in 2017, serving alongside five Malden mayors and several dozen city councillors. She helped and mentored three of her successors in the City Clerk's Office. After her retirement, Anderson continued to serve her community professionally, working on a variety of city issues, including the municipal charter, traffic codes and ordinances, serving as municipal hearing officer and managing Freedom of Information Act requests. City Council President Murphy noted how Anderson continued to offer her depth of knowledge and expertise in city government, even after her retirement. “This is who she was, a person who gave of herself to help others and make sure the city she loved prospered,” Councillor Murphy said. “Her presence and guidance will be missed beyond words, but her legacy will live on in the heart of our city.” Anderson was an avid quilter and in recent years a birdwatcher, particularly in California’s Central Valley, where her husband, Jim Chiavelli, worked for the University of California. From their home in Merced, Calif., they explored the West Coast, with particular fondness for mid-century modern furniture, used bookstores, interesting gin and fresh seafood. In addition to her husband, Jim Chiavelli, to whom she had been married since 1990, she is survived by her daughters, Emily Anderson Chiavelli and Margaret Celestia Chiavelli; two sisters, Judith Randall of Lynnfield and Lillian Burbank of Maine; a nephew, Jay Sears, and three nieces, Rachael Anderson, Victoria Gordon and Alexis Burbank; her in-laws, James F. and Mary Chiavelli of Nashua, N.H.; and many cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, along with her longtime “second family,” the Malloys/McInerneys. She was also the sister of the late Robert Anderson. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 24, at Weir MacCuish Family Funeral Home (144 Salem St., Malden), with visiting hours from 3 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to please consider a donation to the Malden Public Library (26 Salem St., Malden MA 02148) in Karen’s name to support the library archives. City Councillor, Karen was there to guide me through the freshman years.” “Malden has truly lost a legend when it comes to public service,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “I worked with Karen as a member of the School Committee, City Council and as Mayor and the one thing that was consistent throughout was that when you needed an idea or an understanding of a complex issue, Karen was the one we called.” “Even after she retired, we were still going to her because
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