Patricia Anne (Okeson) Anderson

Patricia Anne (Okeson) Anderson’s earthly life came to an end on June 19th, 2022. A Manchester resident since 1959, Pat spent the last nine years at Crestfield Rehabilitation Center & Fenwood Manor, after suffering a debilitating stroke. A kindness, generosity, humor, and deep faith defined her days and brought joy to her family and friends her whole life.

Pat was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 25th, 1929 to Edward and Mary (Haskell) Okeson. She was homecoming queen of Patrick Henry High School, where she met her future husband James Anderson, before graduating in 1947. She and Jim married in 1951, starting their family before moving to Connecticut. They attended Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester, where Pat would often sing the alto part on her favorite hymns, including “Great is thy Faithfulness,” “It is Well with my Soul,” and “Trust and Obey.” She was a Sunday school teacher, Stephen minister, volunteered in Alpha ministry, and worked on Trinity’s Missionary Committee, often hosting missionaries in their home. For over thirty years, Pat also led a weekly women’s prayer breakfast. 

Pat worked as an executive secretary for the American Lung Association in East Hartford. She volunteered much of her time tutoring elementary school children and with various organizations including F.I.S.H., Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, and Manchester Memorial Hospital.

Her husband Jim passed away in 1981, and Pat later moved to Northfield Green in Manchester, where she made many new friends and hosted wonderful holiday dinners. Always a caring big sister to her brothers Lawrence Okeson and Curtis Okeson (predeceased) and their families, Pat remained a steady source of kindness and joy, no matter how many miles separated them.

Most of all, Pat shared her limitless love and deep faith with her children, Jay Anderson (Carol), Greg Anderson, Sharon Nelson (Luke) and grandchildren, Michael Anderson (Sarah), West Mossgrove, and Grace Nelson. Blessed assurance, we have all been touched by that love and we will miss her dearly. 

Pat’s family would like to thank all the staff at Crestfield/Fenwood for their dedicated care through the years. The family will receive friends and relatives Tuesday, July 5th, 4:00-7:00pm, at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. Burial will follow Wednesday, July 6th, 11:00am, East Cemetery, 220 East Center St., Manchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Gideons International at gideons.org or sent to Gideons International, P.O. Box 415, Manchester, CT 06045-0415. To leave a memory or condolence, please visit holmeswatkins.com. 

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