"Mother Of The Baltimore County Fire Department," Anida Lee England, Passes at 89

BALTIMORE COUNTY - Anida Lee England, 89, the "mother of the Baltimore County Fire Department," passed away from cancer on July 28 at Stella Maris Hospice in Timonium.

A prolific community figure and lifelong Pikesville resident, England, played a crucial role in the history of the Baltimore County Fire Department.

According to her obituary, England is best known for her work with the Box 234 Association, a volunteer group operating a canteen truck for firefighters and police officers. Although she was not one of the organizations founding members, she did type its original charter.

In 1957, she became a part of the Box 234 Association - her contributions to the group earned her a place in the Baltimore County Volunteer Firefighter's Association Hall of Fame in 2018.

England joined the Maryland State Department of Education as an accountant in 1964, later venturing into accounting roles at Maryland Public Television and the Department of General Services. She retired in 1994 after three decades of service.

Mrs. England was also the mother to Danelle England-Dansicker, the first female firefighter in Baltimore County, who passed away in 2009.

In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, former chief John Hohman described her as a beacon of positivity and highlighted her unparalleled commitment.

"Anida was really the mother of the Baltimore County Fire Department. She was unbelievably pleasant and had a positive attitude. She had a wonderful memory too — she once reminded me she'd known me for 50 years — and an effervescent personality," Hohman said. "How many people would get up in the middle of the night to serve coffee and donuts?"

England is survived by her son, William B. England, a brother, two sisters, and two granddaughters. A service commemorating her life was conducted at St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church in Pikesville on August 5.

In place of flowers, donations in Anida's name may be offered to Box 234 Association, 22 Walker Avenue, Pikesville, MD 21208, or to the American Cancer Society, 405 Williams Ct #120, Baltimore, MD 21220, or St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 101 Church Lane, Pikesville, MD 21208

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