It is with immense sadness we announce our 'Angel' was called to become one of Heaven's Angels at 11:11AM, November 16th, 2017. A moment in time we will never forget. She passed with her family by her side she passed away at home, pain free. A True Blessing.

 

She leaves John Steves, (Life Partner), daughter Kristin Anderson (Mike Martens), granddaughter Savannah Martens; sons Nicholas Anderson ad Sheldon Anderson sister Linda Schellenberg (Randy) and brother Dan-el Somers (Shelly).

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A celebration of Patricia's life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 16, 2017 at Patricia’s Ballroom and Banquet Hall, Tuxedo Park Shopping Centre, 2025 Corydon Avenue. The program will begin at 1:30 p.m.

 

Born May 10, 1959 she was the daughter of Dorothy (Tauber) and Everett Somers of Carmen, Manitoba moving to Winnipeg in 1970's.

 

With a zest for life like no other she enjoyed each day, making the moments count. Forever the optimist, she always saw the brighter side of life. Till the very end, not a negative word not in her make-up. A true “Ray-of-Sunshine”.

 

Single handily Patricia raised three beautiful children all the while creating a viable business when others counselled otherwise. With a flair for dance she captured her dream. After winning  several Dance competitions she became a Ballroom Dance Instructor accredited through Michael Young's School of Dance located on the West Coast. It didn't take long before she opened her first ballroom dance studio, and the rest is history. Originally located on Wall Street, she moved to the foot of Nairn bridge where daily cars would see her teaching classes, then to the second floor of the Belgian Club. Finally, she fixed her sites on her new 9800 square foot ballroom located in Tuxedo Park Shopping Centre which, for the past 12 years, has been known as Patricia's Ballroom & Banquet Hall.

 

For years with a true sense of business savvy she organized, in conjunction with The Forks, Dancing Under The Canopy located at The Forks - it was incredible! People would arrive just after 6pm each week and a new band would start at 7pm. Then there was open dancing for all until 11pm. Meanwhile she'd arrange demonstrations of numerous dance genres and provided free dance classes in - Rumba, Tango, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Swing, West Coast - Argentine Tango - Zumba and many more. It became an event of the summer drawing thousands.

 

She was the originator of the University SWING Club, in conjunction with Society of Manitoban’s with Disabilities she organized, choreographed and performed in Dancing with Celebrity's, numerous TV/Radio interviews, Involvement with the Pam-Am Games, AVRO Arrow, Shall We Dance and many others - if dancing was involved, PATRICIA was Involved! She would regularly be seen at corporate events, schools, hospitals, even beaches, teaching people to have fun through dance!  And where Patricia went, so did her dancers, Patricia's Dance Studio and Swing Club along with Starlight Dancers are known to spark any room!

 

To every new student she would say.. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, ... make him a Meal! The way to a woman's heart is through her FEET! ...take her Dancing!

 

Having organized countless weddings for friends she opened her Ballroom doors for Weddings. WHAT a FUN environment that is! Hosting weddings weekly throughout the year she would organize, prepare and make certain, every detail was just right. Walking couples through the wedding process, ever so gently guiding new Brides accordingly even providing a free dance lesson for their first dance. With the Ballroom decorated to the hilt, she wanted every Bride to enjoy her wedding of a life-time, yet at a reasonable price.

 

Through the years Patricia has taken many instructors under her wing, always supporting, always promoting, always giving them a 'chance'. One in particular has been a true inspiration for others, has introduced countless new dancers to DANCE, has done so while maintaining high ethics, having created Salsa Explosion, Leo has been a true sense of pride for Patricia.  

 

A vibrant Patricia loved to travel, regularly hosting group travel extravaganzas to destinations throughout the world. Participants would look forward to pre-travel dinners, dance classes, meetings and comradery. Each would surely know, relax, have fun,....and DANCE! It got so bands would often change music styles when she and her troupe entered a room. This would bring the place to Life!

 

The Dance Community has lost its supporter, it's Pillar. Patricia Anderson, her grace, her simplicity, her infectious spirit plus her ability to touch the heart of everyone she spoke with, will be greatly missed.

 

Patricia was passionate about our waterfront cottage and was often found watching the water, fishing, basking in the sun, boating or sitting on our dock accompanied by her puppies (Ace & Coco) enjoying stunning sunsets. Oh how she loved the lake!  ...and all her adopted 'boys'. Forever the entertainer, Patricia loved 'people' often arranging large family gatherings or fun social events with friends for all to enjoy. 

 

The family would like to express their gratitude to Patricia's Home Care Team, Palliative Care Team, Lori Penner- Carter - (often our life-line), Nurse, Richard Kozar and Dr. Tim Hiebert for the kindness, compassion, understanding and professionalism demonstrated in making Patricia's wish, to remain at home, possible.

 

We will forever miss Patricia....