Patricia Fritz Shank, 88

September 20, 2017

Patricia Fritz Shank, 88, of Lancaster, PA, passed away at Landis Homes to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. She joins her beloved late husband, Robert Good Shank, whom she had been married to for 27 years when he died in 2001.
Born in the Borough of Terre Hill, she was the daughter of the late Roy Sweigart Fritz and Miriam Catharine Getz, Terre Hill. Pat was a Registered Nurse, graduate of the University of Pennsylvania in 1950 and graduated New Holland High School in 1946. Her favorite nursing role was in the operating room at the Ephrata Hospital for many years. She also worked as a visiting nurse at RCA, in several doctor’s offices, and volunteered at Meals on Wheels in Lancaster over the years. She and her late husband were members of Covenant United Methodist Church since the early 1970s.
Pat was an exceptionally gifted church organist, pianist, and accompanist. She cherished spending time with her family, and especially her 5 grandchildren. Pat was an avid gardener and enjoyed home canning the fruits of her labor. Pat, mom, and grandma will be fondly remembered for her selfless devotion as a nurse and mother in always wanting to care for others. Her whimsical sense of humor found her engaged in numerous feisty discussions with others about politics and sports. She also loved dogs, and especially had fond memories of pet, Sandy.
Surviving are children: Carol Stauffer, Toms River, NJ, wife of Ken; R. Douglas Maurer, Louisville, KY, married to LouAnn; and Cynthia Burban, Jamestown, OH, wife of Peter. Grandchildren: Kyle Stauffer, NJ, married to Megan; Molly Maurer, Hawaii, engaged to Jaylen Hunter, NY; Makenzie Maurer, KY; Kristina Burban, OH; and Stefanie Burban, OH. First cousins: Claudia Cox, NC and Nancy Baucom, NC. Pat was an only child who was preceded in death by her dear cousin, accomplished Lancaster trumpet player, Richard W. Getz, in 1981, who was a special “brother” to her.
A funeral will be held at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 441 N. George Street Millersville, PA 17551 at 3PM on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Friends will be received prior to the service from 2PM to 3PM prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or #817-832-6997.
We will miss her presence in our lives; we are ever grateful for her dedication to us all.