Wera K. Anderson Basandaio, 84, North Manchester, formerly of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away January 6, 2023, at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester. She was born to Russian and German parents in Germany on November 19, 1938.
At the age of five Wera began dancing, a passion she continued throughout her life. After moving to the United States, she became a professional ballet dancer and danced in the movies Cleopatra and Hercules. Wera then moved to Mishawaka, Indiana, where she created a successful dance studio with over one hundred students. There she taught the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team to dance in order to improve their balance skills. While living in Mishawaka she was also a member of Community Baptist Church in South Bend.
Wera had a bubbly personality that drew people to her. She was thoughtful and kind. Wera found love later in life, and on February 22, 1991, she married Michael P. Anderson (Miguelangelo Basandaio). The two were wed for fourteen years before Michael passed away on June 8, 2005.
The loving memory of Wera Anderson Basandaio will be forever cherished by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, James E. “Jim” and Patricia J. “Pat” Hartley, Wabash; brothers-in-law, Mark (Jennifer) Anderson, Warsaw, and James “Russ” Hartley, Belton, Texas. Wera was preceded in death by her husband, Michael P. Anderson (Miguelangelo Basandaio); sisters-in-law, Cynthia “Cindy” Roser and Shelly Lambert; and brother-in-law, Jeffrey Anderson.
Family and friends may call Friday, January 13, 2023 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Peabody Retirement Community Chapel, 400 West 7th Street, North Manchester, Indiana. A celebration of Wera’s life will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Brian Chamberlain officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, at a later date.
The family of Wera Anderson Basandaio has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.