RICHMOND, August 14 — Eleanor T. Riepe Anders-Workman, of Richmond, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, August 7, 2014. The first child and daughter of Joseph Creighton Riepe Jr. of Baltimore, Maryland and Florence Eloise Daniel of Rome, Georgia, she was born January 4, 1945 in Richmond and raised on Arcadia Farm in Charlotte Court House.

She graduated with a B.A. in English from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1966 and from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies in 1988. She worked for 19 years at Lawyer’s Title/Land America before transitioning to her second career as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Long before she was a mental health therapist, Mrs. Anders-Workman kept an open door, always welcoming family and friends to her table with a fresh pot of black coffee, a warm hug, and an open heart. A fierce ally and loving protector, she offered exuberant support and love to those who knew her. Her bright company and sparkling laugh lifted up many souls. As a mother she was always ready with an encouraging cheer from the sidelines, unconditional support, and unwavering love. The grace and determination she personified in her fight against pancreatic cancer awed family, friends, and doctors alike. She was an avid reader and loved to travel as much as she loved to come home.

She is survived by her husband, Burris A Workman; a daughter, Allison Daniel Anders; a son, John Creighton Anders; a daughter-in-law, Alison Higgs Anders; grandchildren, Emma Daniel Anders and George Fredrick Anders; her mother, Florence Daniel Riepe Kalbacker; a sister, Jacquelyn Riepe Hill; brother-in-law, Hunter Roland Hill; sister-in-law, Sandy Johnson Riepe; and loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandparents, John Hannah Daniel and Eloise Burney Daniel, and Joseph Creighton Riepe Sr. and Eleanor Thomas Stump, her father, Joseph Creighton Riepe Jr., and her brother, Joseph Creighton Riepe III.

Family and friends will celebrate her life at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 16 at The Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church, 11421 Gayton Road, Henrico.

Memorials may be made to the Bon Secours Cancer Institute, the Central Virginia Food Bank, or The Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden.

Woody Funeral Home, Richmond, is serving the family. Condolences may be offered at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.