With aching hearts, her family announces the passing of Dorothy Patrice Manz. She quietly passed away surrounded by family and friends in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She spent her last year fighting pancreatic cancer and was taken too soon at the age of 73.
Born to parents Edward Tubman and Dorothy (Minford) Tubman in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, she attended Marple/Newtown HS and graduated Summa cum laude from West Virginia University with a degree in Education. She taught at a private school in Philadelphia before moving to Dallas and then back to Philadelphia where she and her husband, Russ, of 44 years, met and married. Moving to Virginia Beach, Virginia; Wausau, Wisconsin; West Chester, PA and finally Grand Rapids over the next eight years, they welcomed three daughters in three different states.
Patrice is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Dorothy Tubman, and her sister Jane Tubman. She is survived by her brothers, Shawn and Eddie Tubman; her devoted husband, Russ Manz; her daughters Allison DeLong (Matt); Claire Krzystan (Brent); Audrey McNally (Jack); and her six adoring grandchildren Henry and Parker DeLong; Julia Krzystan; and Monica; Jack; and Colin McNally.
"Saint" Patrice was the epitome of grace, empathy, and patience. She was charismatic and selfless. She loved her friends and family unconditionally. Guests were always welcomed into her comfortable home with the smell of freshly baked pumpkin bread and a warm hug.
She traveled often with her adventurous husband and friends, on cruises or long drives, being fortunate to visit more than 35 countries and 47 states. Fighting cancer, she took her final cruise with ten of her closest friends last October. Her favorite vacations, however, were with her kids, be it tent camping, hiking, Disney (not so much), or a faraway trip, setting her children up for a lifetime of travel on their own.
She loved to bake, cook, and bring people together. She had an incredible talent for making people feel loved. Her quilts and blankets, knitted scarves, sweaters and hats, and the most beautiful Christmas stockings brought comfort and meaning to holidays, movie nights, and so many infant cribs. She enjoyed her book clubs and quilt Bee with close friends, reading Louise Penny and watching British mysteries.
Her legacy will be passed on for years to come, and she will be remembered and missed deeply by many.
The memorial gathering will take place May 9th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Frederik Meijer Gardens 100 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids with a time for reflection beginning at 11:15 am, followed by an open house luncheon for all starting at 12:00 pm. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Kids Sew Genius.
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