Lisa Niemi had been married to celebrated actor and Hollywood icon Patrick Swayze for 34 years when she tragically lost him to pancreatic cancer. When asked if she could ever envisage herself in another relationship, she had conceded, “I would love companionship love. Absolutely. I hope I’m not one of these women who never want to have another relationship,” adding, “But who knows, that’s another bridge I’ll cross when I come to it. I may get there and go, I don’t know. But I like to think that I can.”

After several years, she is now engaged again.

I know I've been very private about this, but now – I am so very happy 2 share this news with you. Very happy indeed. http://t.co/vNfcFTOgSw

— Lisa Niemi Swayze (@LisaNiemiSwayze) December 29, 2013

Lisa met her fiance, Albert DePrisco, a year and a half ago at her birthday party. A mutual friend served as cupid, introducing Niemi to the 58 year old jeweler. In 2012, Lisa’s rep had said, “It’s new, and they’re taking it slow.” Now, her rep confirms, “Albert proposed to Lisa on Christmas Eve.”

But Lisa Niemi hasn’t let her newfound romance or an engagement detract in any way from her unique ongoing mission to help raise awareness around cancer research. While she might be a multitalented entertainer (professionally singing, dancing, acting, and directing), she also remains very connected to her late husband in a very spiritual way. In the past four years, she’s written a book about Patrick and continues to serve fundraising groups like Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Ready to start the evening @PanCAN 's Evening of the Stars. Wishes 4 a heartfelt & successful nite. pic.twitter.com/chrL7KyYJa

— Lisa Niemi Swayze (@LisaNiemiSwayze) October 20, 2013

According to an inside source, Patrick would be very happy for Lisa and her recent engagement. The source indicated, “[Patrick] was adamant that Lisa go on with her life after he died,” and went on to say, “It worried him terribly that she might shut herself away in her grief. He told her he wanted her to live and do what she did best, giver her greatest asset, her love to another.”

In a blog Lisa wrote this year, she spoke of Swayze:

“The more time that passes, the more I know this is true – My relationship with him is still close, but now it’s close, very close, in a very different way. And yeah, I miss him, miss his physical presence (today is one of those days where I particularly feel lonely for him), but there is no doubt that I feel his thoughts with me, his wonder, his courage. He offers his eyes to see life through when I need it, as he offers me love to guide me.”

If Lisa Niemi’s tireless dedication has been any indication, it’s clear that Patrick passes on his own courage consistently to her.

And now, his guiding love has led her to a new partner.

Good for you, Lisa!

Image via Twitter