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.
The graveside funeral will be held in DeTour Village, the Upper Peninsula community where her story began and where her roots remained. The graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Maple Grove Cemetery, 19157 E. South Caribou Lake Rd.
The Celebration of Life will be held in Lansing, where she spent the majority of her life and built so many treasured friendships. The celebration will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Lansing Brewing Company, 518 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing, MI 48912.
Contributions can be made in Pat’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research 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.
7 Messages to “Patricia Lea Anderson”
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Mary Zischke
September 24, 2026 at 2:34 pmPat was a dedicated professional and very kind and fun-loving person. I enjoyed working with her for many years and the many talks we’ve shared since retirement. I’ll miss seeing and talking with her at our luncheons.
Karen Kelley
September 24, 2026 at 6:58 pmPat was worked for my dad forever and was like part of the family. Pat was so much fun and always had a smile on her face. I just had lunch with her last month when I was in Lansing.. She will be missed by so many.
Lori Christian
September 26, 2026 at 5:21 pmmy Destin friend forever she made killer key lime pie and jezebel sauce she cusse like her normal conversation which i loved about her so much laughter snd fun i will miss my sweet friend sending love and condolances to all
Musette Michael
September 26, 2026 at 5:32 pmPat was the first person I met when interviewing at the Department of Attorney General. She remained a classy and intelligent aide to Attorney General Kelley for all the years and beyond that I knew her. No one can forget her welcoming smile and loyalty. RIP, Pat.
Barb Hilborn
September 27, 2026 at 5:51 pmPat was truly my No. 1 mentor during the years I worked in the Executive Division of Attorney Generl Kelley’s Office from 1975-1990. We have remained in contact ever since and I’m so glad I got to see her at the June AG Secretaries’ luncheon this year. Pat never changed … always dedicated to Mr. Kelley’s best interests until his passing, a beautiful, high-energy lady, infectious smile and great personality. Organizationally, she made things happen fast, yet with grace! On Mr. Kelly’s behalf she made sure us secretaries were recognized each year and organized AG Family Day picnics at Potter Park. “Back in the day” several of us spent the Veteran’s Day long weekends in Chicago, one year taking in the Monet Exhibit. At the top of my list was a week spent in Key West with competing “best” happy hour appetizers between the two condos and seeing the area close up for an incoming tropical storm; we got off the island on the last flight for a few days! Thanks for the great memories …. a life well lived that positively impacted countless people. Rest in peace, Patricia.
Kay & Roger Tews
September 28, 2026 at 12:13 pmWe have fond memories of Pat in Florida. We played a lot of cards and went to the broadway shows at Mattie Kelley. She always served delicious dinners especially her bacon lettuce tomato sandwiches with her YOOPER bacon.
STEVE GARRARD
October 5, 2026 at 9:18 amI can’t believe she is gone. She was one of the first people I met when I went to interview for a position with the Attorney General’s Office in 1977. Who knew then we would spend time together at Moriarties Pub on Michigan Ave, Lansing; Camp Seagull on Lake Charlevoix; Mangoes Pub on Duvall Street in Key West and up on big Crystal Lake by Frankfort, just naming a few. Not to mention, the Peanut Barrel in East Lansing, where we just had lunch in June. You and your crew were part of my 20s through 80s! What wonderful groupies you gathered. Damn, we are going to miss you! But overwhelmingly glad you shared yourself with all of us who love you, and always will!