Paula Beth Anderson

Paula Beth Anderson (70), born 16 December 1952, passed away in New Hope, MN on 20 February 2023. Although life took Paula many places, Minnesota was her home. She was born to Warren and Lorraine Anderson of Hector, MN. From the beginning, the Anderson children were a tightly knit group. Paula grew up in Hector alongside 5 siblings on the family farm, attended First Lutheran Church and was a talented student in school. From a young age, Paula was drawn to music and was incredibly gifted. She competed in small group voice competitions, accompanied others on the piano, and eventually went on to sing in the Gustavus Concert Choir and the Yale Slavic Chorus, which performed throughout New England. She was never afraid of being "on stage". Her older sisters recall that, "Paula was good at everything she tried. She was gutsy and charming - everyone loved her". So, whether she was cheerleading, baton twirling, engaging in church activities, or serving as a camp counselor or wilderness guide, her energy and zest for life was felt by those around her. She was social, bubbly and had a lively spirit. Paula went on to attend Luther college and graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA in music therapy. Throughout her life, Paula was drawn to travel and exploration. Upon graduation, Paula and then-husband Rick, explored life outside of Minnesota and landed on the East Coast. Always an adventurous spirit, they sailed, skied, hiked and explored exotic destinations including the beaches of Jamaica together. Paula went on to receive her nursing degree from the University of Bridgeport, CT and ultimately settled in Huntington Station, New York. She had a long career as a nurse in Connecticut and New York City, touching many lives, including patients who suffered with mental illness. She spent many years as a psychiatric nurse and her depth, compassion and intellect suited the role perfectly. It was a job she was especially proud of, primarily because she felt uniquely positioned to help her patients. The time she spent in New York City was reminiscent of who Paula was at heart: adventurous, spirited, with a love for new experiences. She adored the city and was always proud to call herself a New Yorker! While she maintained a love of music throughout her life, and it remained an important hobby, it was her calling to become a nurse that provided the opportunity to truly make a difference. By far, Paula was most proud of being a mother to Kristine, Shannon and Jonathan, and eventually a grandmother. She loved taking her young children to spend time at the ocean. Together, they often ventured to the beaches on the South Shore of Long Island or explored what New York City had to offer: gardens, parks, museums and the theater. In preparation for visits, she always made sure to cook her signature lasagne dish and have their favorite snacks on hand. As her children grew into adults, she relished opportunities to visit or travel with them. Paula's later years were challenged by struggles with mental health, primarily bi-polar disorder. She returned to Minnesota to seek help and support from her loving siblings and mother. As is often the case, maintaining her mental health was a struggle but she persisted in her desire to overcome. She went on to continue her nursing career and even find love again, marrying David Drucker in 2010, until his passing in 2014. Despite the burdens of ongoing mental health and physical challenges, Paula remained an intelligent, funny, colorful, and loving person until her death. Her children were the loves of her life and although she lived far away from her grandchildren, she treasured every opportunity to hear their voices on the phone. She maintained a joyful attitude and appreciated the little things - family gatherings, lunch out at her favorite restaurant, and receiving updates from her children. She loved hearing about the incredible, full lives each of them were living. Her last years were spent in New Hope, where she enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Ethan Rubin, spending all of their time together, full of love, care and gratitude for each other. She will be remembered by those who knew her best as spirited, talented and humorous with a passion for adventure and travel. Forever a talented, spunky and smart woman whose greatest legacy will live on through her remarkable children and grandchildren for many years to come. She is preceded in death by late husband, Dave Drucker; parents, Warren and Lorraine Anderson. She is survived by longtime partner, Ethan Rubin; children, Kristine (David) Duarte, Shannon (Marc) Sherman, and Jonathan Faloon; grandchildren, Lincoln, Marshall, Cameron and Mackenzie; siblings, Elouise Johnson, Merideth (Jay) Brown, Jackie (Arvid) Anderson, Melanie (Gregg) Smith, Paul (Mary) Anderson; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Details communicated on Paula's remembrance page. In lieu of flowers or donations, her family welcomes memories of Paula to be shared on her remembrance page at Washburn-McReavy.com. Memorial Service Sunday May 21st at 11:00am with visitation 1 hour prior and reception to follow all at: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 5000 W. 50th St. Edina

Tributes

Paula Beth Anderson

December 16, 1952 - February 20, 2023

Tributes

Paula Beth Anderson

December 16, 1952 - February 20, 2023

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