It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia “Pat” Mantle (nee Shantz) on February 27, 2025. Pat passed away peacefully and comfortably on her own terms with her family by her side, at the age of 84. Pat was born to the late Loretta and Wesley Shantz in Guernsey, Saskatchewan on March 17, 1940. Pat’s life was filled with love, laughter, faith, and caring for others. She always cared for and put others before herself, which allowed her to build a successful career as a nurse that spanned over 50 years.
It was after graduating from nursing school that Pat met the love of her life and late husband, William “Bill” Mantle (2017), where they embarked on a journey together that lasted an incredible 54 years. Together, Pat and Bill raised four wonderful children, and she will be fondly remembered by Crystal (Tom) Tye of Blenheim, Laurie Mantle of Chatham, Bradley (Cristina) Mantle of Texas, and William “Bill” Mantle Jr. of Florida.
Pat was also a loving grandmother and “gram” to Marissa, Brandon, Joel, Kyle, Jessica, and Garrett, and 17 great-grandchildren, who will miss her immensely. She was also predeceased by her great-grandchildren Daeton (2006) and Abigail (2021).
Pat came from an incredible family and was one of seven children. She was predeceased by her brothers Keith (late Martha) and Carl (Joan), and is survived by and will be forever missed by her siblings Ellen (late Lloyd), Wilma (late Robert), Gilbert (late Pat), and Gordon (Elaine).
Before retiring and moving back to Blenheim, Pat and Bill lived and travelled across many parts of Canada and the United States. Most recently, they lived in Indiana where they made the decision to settle down and move back to Canada to be closer to family. Family and travelling were two of Pat’s greatest passions in life. She would always be over at the house as soon as you called, and would jump at the chance to get in the driver’s seat and go on a day trip or board a cruise ship and travel to somewhere new – which her and Bill enjoyed doing quite often.
We find comfort in knowing that Pat has finally gone home to be with her husband, Bill. She missed him dearly after his passing and deserves to now rest eternally with him. Special thanks to the retirement and long-term care staff and VON staff at Blenheim Community Village, where Pat called home in her final years. We would also like to thank the incredible staff on the continuous care and palliative care floors at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, who cared for Pat so compassionately and kept her comfortable in her final days. We also greatly appreciate the care and compassion from Dr. Martha Clendenning, Nurse Practitioner Kaitlyn, Wanda Burse, and for Bill Terris and Pastor Kent who kept Pat’s faith strong and at peace as she transitioned into her next chapter of life.
As per Pat’s wishes, cremation will take place. Those wishing to remember Pat are asked to consider a memorial donation to the Blenheim Medical Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ or Chatham-Kent Health Alliance https://ckhaf.ca/donate/
