Patricia Jean Anderson

Patricia Jean Woodman Anderson passed away on March 15, 2010. She was born in Jackson, Michigan on November 18, 1922 to Hetty Brott Woodman and Harry H. Woodman, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1940 and was a proud graduate of Western Michigan University in 1944, where she met the love of her life, Rolla L. Anderson, Mt. Vernon, IL who survives. Patricia and Rolla were married on December 23, 1944 in Washington D.C. Three daughters survive Patricia: Julie Ann Donald Paulsen, Susan Jane William Van Dis and Mary Jane John Pickell, III. She has eight grandchildren: Jill Warne Paulsen Fitch, Mark Jacqueline Paulsen, Bradley Jaime Paulsen, Andrew Emily Van Dis, Daniel Van Dis, John Stefanie Pickell, IV, Jeffrey Pickell and James Pickell. She also has 8 great grandchildren, Sam, Tyler, Allison and Evan Fitch, Clara Kay and Robert Paulsen, Isabella Van Dis and John Pickell, V. Patricia was lovingly looking forward to the arrival of her ninth and tenth great grandchildren. Her brother, Robert Woodman, preceded her in death. Nieces Debby Woodman Mackinder and Tressa Woodman Clairday also survive her. Patricia was a positive influence in all of her children's, grandchildren's and great grandchildren's lives. They gave her much pleasure. She was especially encouraging and supportive to her husband, Rolla, in all of his endeavors. Patricia was a lifelong advocate for children and the families surrounding them. This is reflective in her chosen career and volunteer work. She was beloved by her husband and by her family. As a former teacher, she was a long-time substitute teacher and classroom aide in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. She also was a teacher/aide at the Della-Coletta Pre-School. Patricia was very involved at First Baptist Church, having been a member there for 55 years. She served as a Girl's Guild leader, participated with the Women's Guild that served at the State Hospital Women's Ward, helped prepare food for the Soup Kitchen and sat on various boards within the church. She was on the Executive Board of the Glowing Embers Girl Scouts as well as serving for many years as a troop leader for this organization. She spent a number of years working with Hospice. Patricia was a member of the Kalamazoo College Women's Emeritus Group and the KIA Art League. She was also a member of a long-standing bridge group and appreciated the friendship and support this group gave to one another. Patricia had a sixty-eight year friendship with her college roommates. The women have held a reunion every year since their graduation in 1944 and 1945. Patricia, along with being the loving matriarch of the extended Anderson Family, was a woman who had her own identity and opinions. She was a lot of fun to be with and will be enormously missed! She felt that her family of loving, contributing people was her greatest achievement. A church service will be held on March 20, 2010 1:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Visitation to follow the service in the Clough Room at the church. Cremation has taken place. Memorials can be made to the Christian Education Fund at the First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, or a charity of your choice.