Patricia Ann (McKibben) Mansperger

Patricia Ann (McKibben) Mansperger, 88, of Mentor, died November 13, 2023 at Brookdale of Mentor. Patricia (Pat) was born September 30, 1935 in Schenectady, NY. She was the third daughter of Wayne and Viola McKibben. Wayne's job moved the family several times during Pat's childhood: to NY, IN, IL, and VA before ending up in Euclid, OH in 1951. Pat was a junior in high school, and she met senior John Robert (Bob) Mansperger in band. Pat graduated from Euclid High School in 1953 while Bob was attending MIT in Boston. Pat went on to earn her degree in elementary education from The Ohio State University and despite the distance, Pat and Bob were married on July 6, 1957, just one month after her college graduation. After honeymooning in the Poconos, Pat accompanied Bob on his USAF deployment to Japan. The young newlyweds lived there from 1957-1960, embracing the Japanese people, culture, art, and architecture. Pat worked helping to run the teen center on the airbase. Upon returning to the US, Pat and Bob settled in Euclid, OH for the next 20 years. Their time in Japan had a significant influence on their lives, including "made in Japan" baby John, born 4 months after their return, followed by Joel a few years later. Pat loved being a mother to her two boys and enjoyed devoting time to them. She was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for the boys and herself. She loved dark chocolate and baking: special birthday cakes for the boys, chocolate chip cookies and pot du creme au chocolat dessert. Pat also had a love for nature and the natural landscape, especially the fall season. She treasured the fall colors and collected leaves and many, many pinecones. She enjoyed crafting, making decorations for the house, reading murder mysteries, and gathering recipes and craft ideas from magazines. Pat loved to spend time with her sons and their families. Her grandchildren were her treasures. Her wry, ironic sense of humor was appreciated by many, as were the numerous cards she sent people through the years. Pat enjoyed traveling with her husband Bob, her family, and friends: Switzerland, Spain, Germany, and many long domestic vacations in the USA. She developed a love of the mountains from childhood family camping vacations across the western states. She and her sister, Nancy, continued the family vacations into adulthood, overseeing camping logistics and meals on many long, joint family vacations. Pat worked as a substitute elementary teacher in Euclid while the boys were growing up and later in life, as a preschool teacher for Head Start in Cleveland. She also worked for Iszard's department store designing window displays while she & Bob were living in Elmira, NY. In 2004, Pat and Bob retired to West Salem, OH, wanting to locate halfway between their sons and grandchildren. Pat was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and played handbells in the various cities where she resided. Church was important spiritually, socially, and for the friendships she made. She was an active member of the Stephen Ministries at Christ UMC in Ashland, OH. Survivors include her sons, John (Cristina) and Joel (Jennifer) Mansperger; grandchildren, Gregory, Josie (Brian) Mack, Peter, and Drake; and her sister, Judith Claire (Craig) Walters. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Robert “Bob” Mansperger; parents, Wayne and Viola McKibben; and her sisters Marian Whitsel, and Nancy Wilson. The family will receive friends to celebrate Patricia’s life from 10 a.m. - 12 noon Monday, November 27, 2023 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A memorial service to conclude the gathering will begin at 12 noon on Monday at the funeral home. Private family internment will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Patricia’s favorite charity, The Heifer Project. . Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Patricia Ann (McKibben) Mansperger

September 30, 1935 - November 13, 2023