In Memory
Patsy E. (Mantei) Stewart
b. 1942 – d. 2024
Patsy was best known for her love of laughter, amazing creations from fabric and making their home and gardens beautiful. Both her family and friends loved to hear her twittering laugh after one small glass of wine as well as her latest silly story of something that could only happen to her (and accomplices). She lived a simple but good life, appreciating the moment and looking forward to the next. Her laugh and big blue-eyed smile remained until the very end.
Patsy was 82 years old when she passed. She was born, lived and left her mortal coil in South Bend, Indiana on October 11th, 2024, from complications due to Vascular Dementia. Her parent’s Elsa (Röhde) and Richard Mantei, Sr. were born in East Prussia (now East Poland). They survived Siberian work camps, disease and wars. As a result, they happily celebrated their life of freedom and peace with family and friends, enjoying large Sunday dinners here in South Bend, within the growing East European community in the West-side. As a young girl, Patsy and her friends Nancy and Anna were well known for their joyful and sometimes ornery play throughout the neighborhood. Patsy loved her time as one of the primary dancers in the Hungarian Polka club and graduated from high school as Valedictorian at Washington High. Patsy used her intelligence in many highly creative endeavors throughout her life, including her secretarial role at Uniroyal (meeting, dating, and marrying the most handsome young man in the office) and raising her three tow headed daughters. As a new, young mom, Patsy was delighted to meet her BFF Mary B. and other gal pal neighbors whom she spent many happy hours with enjoying bike riding, walking in the quiet neighborhood area, and shopping Northwest Fabrics. There were more than a few sharing’s of home baked goods or polish pastries with a good cup of tea and hours of laughter and chitchat.
Patsy’s older brother Richard Mantei, Jr. and older sister (and partner in many creative pursuits) Delores Ruth Jeske preceded her in death in 2007. She is survived by her favorite youngest sister Linda Kuruzar living in Madison, Wisconsin. Patsy married sweet, handsome Charlie in the early 60’s – their wedding photo looks like a beautiful, happy Movie Star couple. Charlie, the love of her life, passed just two years ago (May 2022), soon after she entered her memory care facility. She is survived by her three daughters, two sons (in-law) and two grandkids -- each a great example of their kind, stable and caring upbringing: Sherri Stewart and husband Lowell Francis, Lorri Ann Stewart, Jodi and Andrew Walbring, their children David Walbring and Kali Walbring and husband Yun Qin.
They each cherish and feel grateful for their time with their parents and grandparents and will miss the Mom and Grandma that they remember best and loved dearly. Patsy also loved and doted upon all of her furry pets starting from her first kitten Kitty Koo and adorable Stewart family mutts Bootsy, Mitzi and Cindy-bindy-binder-butt. She is also survived by her and Charlie’s beloved kitty “Buddy-the-best-cat-ever”, who at 15-years-old is going strong with lots of naps and treats. He is very much loved by the whole family and the neighbors.
During this time of year, we fondly remember all of the amazing Halloween costumes (and barbie clothes, handcrafted toys, outfits, quilts, and prom and wedding dresses) Patsy created for her kids and grandkids – we will be sure to light a pumpkin for her and all the happy memories she helped to create. Patsy requested a small, private memorial service with her nearest and dearest, but was grateful for all whom she met and spent time with in this life.
10/21/2024 EJS
|