Patricia Ann Anderson

Patricia Ann Lafferty Anderson began life in Illinois with her parents, Charlie and Rosalie Lafferty, and two older brothers, Charles and Alfred. Later, her family moved to Iowa and ultimately to Berrien Springs, where Patricia attended high school at the Academy operated by Emmanuel Missionary College—now Andrews University. During high school, she met her future husband and fellow student, James Anderson. They were married shortly after Pat finished high school.

“Pat”, as she was known to her friends, was first and foremost a wife and mother. She lovingly cared for her family and beautiful home. She planned many family events and often invited “company” over to visit and share a home-cooked meal. Guests were always welcome.

Throughout her adult life, Pat always managed to balance her career as an accountant with caring for her family. In addition, she and her husband, Jim, planned many adventures that took them camping and hiking across the country with their children, Jim and Penny. After their children left home, they ventured to Africa to spend three years teaching at Maxwell Academy, located in Nairobi, Kenya.

Pat spent many years working as an accountant for several Seventh-day Adventist Academies—most notably Great Lakes Academy and Sunnydale Academy. Working closely with other faculty members and many students led to life-long friendships. Everywhere they traveled, there was always someone they knew from their church family.

During “retirement” Pat spent several years helping her son-in-law, Dave, manage his construction company, as well as delving into her family genealogy. This eventually led to her becoming a Daughter of the American Revolution. She also was widely read and closely followed politics.

Pat was immensely proud of her husband, children and grandchildren. She was willing to lend a hand to make sure everyone could reach their goals. Many lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.

The center of Pat’s life was her husband, Jim. They were inseparable and married almost 70 years. When Jim became disabled, Pat cared for him several years when they both were in their 80s. Their devotion and care for each other was exemplary to all who knew them. They often talked of spending eternity together.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Penny (Dave) Smikle of Coloma; grandchildren: Scott Salyer, Melanie Anderson, Sarah Stanwood, Sandra Harper, Julia Anderson, Stephen Salyer; six great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Linda Anderson Buck of Edmore, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Anderson; son, James C. Anderson; and brothers, Charles E. (Leona) Lafferty and Alfred L. Lafferty.

Pat will be fondly remembered by hundreds of co-workers, students, and family members whose life she touched in innumerable ways.

A memorial service for both James and Patricia Anderson will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs. Memorials may be given to 3ABN. Leave a message at www.allredfuneralhome.com.