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.
To the Manz family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Patrice’s passing. Although we have not seen her in years we have beautiful memories of our evenings playing cards and dinner get togethers Patrice was such a kind person and I always admired her creativeness It is funny how people come in and out of your life but I thought of her often even though our lives sent us in different locations Our prayers are with you and your family at this sad time
Mary & Owen Glock
- Mary &Owen; Glock
To Patty’s family, I am a friend from childhood days….elementary school, junior high and high school. I knew her as “Patty.” I apologize if I should have used Patrice, but I never knew her by that name. We lived a few miles apart in Newtown Square with Patty living on Sawmill Road and my family on Timber Lane. I remember her always as quiet, but caring, with a beautiful smile and always kind words. A few times Patty came to the Jersey seashore with our family for weekends. I have only fond memories of those times. We lost touch after high with us each going in our own directions to college and then marriages and children. I ended up in the upper peninsula of Michigan and I see that you all were Grand Rapids. We lived closer than I would ever have thought. What a beautiful tribute you wrote for her. I’m not surprised by any of it. I’m saddened that she was taken at such a young age. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and give to you all my deepest condolences. She was a beautiful person.
- Martie Dilworth Muzzy
