Patricia Lea Anderson

July 8, 1938 – September 22, 2026

Patricia “Pat” Lea Anderson passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 88, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of family, friendship, service, and a life very well lived.

Pat was born on July 8, 1938, to Lowell E. Lehman and Hazel F. Lehman and was raised in DeTour Village in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Although Lansing would become her home for most of her adult life, Pat never lost her connection to where she came from. She remained a Yooper at heart—with a Spartan spirit. Go Green!

Pat built an extraordinary career in public service that spanned more than 55 years. She served for decades as Senior Executive Management Assistant to Frank J. Kelley, Michigan’s longtime Attorney General. When Mr. Kelley later created Kelley Cawthorne and transitioned into private practice, Pat continued working alongside him at his law firm assisting him. Her intelligence, professionalism, loyalty, and dedication earned her recognition and special tributes from the State of Michigan and the respect of countless people throughout her career.

But Pat’s life was much bigger than her impressive career.

She appreciated beautiful things and knew how to enjoy life. She loved art, laughter, a good glass of wine, (better yet…a top-shelf margarita), wonderful food, and the color yellow—a fitting favorite for a woman who brought so much brightness with her. She treasured the beautiful beaches of Destin, Florida, where she had a condo and spent many happy days. She looked forward to annual trips to Mackinac Island, Friday dinners with friends, and, of course, cheering on her beloved Michigan State Spartans.

Pat was a wonderful friend. She built friendships that lasted through the years and across the miles, and the number of people who loved her is reflected in the many different places she called home.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Anderson, and her parents, Lowell and Hazel Lehman.

She is survived by her stepson Robert Anderson III and his wife, Angela; grandchildren Anthony Anderson, Sarah and Justice Shankel, and Cassidy and Mark Sokol; great-grandchildren Olivia and Hudson, and Stella and Eloise; and her stepson Tom (Shelly) Anderson and grandchildren Tanner and Lauren.

Pat is also survived by her siblings, Gary Lehman and his wife, Patti; Elizabeth “Betsy” Johnstone and her husband, Bill; Linda Lehman; Thomas Lehman and his wife, Sue; and as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Among her nieces and nephews are Gary Lehman Jr., Peggy Lehman, Daniel Lehman, Mary Peterson, Shelli Guymer, Thomas Johnstone, William Johnstone, Jonathan Johnstone, Christina Johnstone, Nathan Lehman, Jason Lehman, Lizzie Hookana, along with their spouses, children, and families.

Pat’s connections stretched from Lansing to DeTour, from Mackinac Island to the beaches of Destin. She lived a life filled with accomplishment, beauty, friendship, family, good meals, laughter, and places she loved.

A graveside funeral and Celebration of Life are being planned in Pat’s honor—The Celebration of Life will be held in Lansing, where she spent the majority of her life and built so many treasured friendships. The graveside funeral will be held in DeTour Village, the Upper Peninsula community where her story began and where her roots remained. Dates and additional details will be announced.

Contributions can be made in Pat’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to DeTour Village Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 397, DeTour Village, MI 49725 where a beautiful lakeside garden and plaque will be created in her honor.

Those who knew Pat will remember an intelligent and beautiful woman, a dedicated professional, a loyal friend, a proud Spartan, and a woman who never forgot where she came from.

A Yooper at heart. A Spartan in spirit. And a life that will be deeply missed.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.