Patricia Anne Mansfield

Patricia Anne Mansfield, devoted mother and grandmother, passed away April 11, 2023 surrounded by loved ones.  

Patricia is survived by her beloved children, Michael and his daughters, Molly and Gillian, of Fredericksburg, VA; Meredith and her husband Paul Collins and their children Finn, Maeve, Eamon and Nora of Westfield, NJ. Also survived by sisters Janet Fagely (Don) of South River, NJ; Judith Ruocco (Frank) of Aiken, SC, sister-in-law Marie Mansfield of Hillsdale, NJ and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Matthew F. Mansfield, son Paul M. Mansfield, and daughter-in-law Melissa S. Mansfield.

Patricia was born July 14, 1937 to Marie and Edmund Witomski in Jersey City, NJ and graduated from St. Aloysius High School. She graduated (B.B.A.), Pace University, New York, NY and Rutgers University (M.P.A.), Newark NJ. Elected to Pi Alpha Alpha, National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. 

Patricia began her career as a private accountant for the estate of Percy S. Straus, owners of R.H. Macy, and retired as Chief Fiscal Officer, Division of Gaming Enforcement, NJ Department of Law and Public Safety.  Previously, Supervisor of Accounting, Division of Youth and Family Services. Long time member The Association of Government Accountants and New Jersey's Chapter of the American Society of Public Administrators.

Forever a Jersey girl, Pat lived in Cranford, NJ for the past twenty years and spent summers on Long Beach Island. She and Matt raised their children in both Bordentown and Scotch Plains, NJ. A devoted parishioner at Saint Helen’s Roman Catholic Church and previously Saint Mary’s in Bordentown, Pat attended Saint Francis of Assisi in Brant Beach, NJ during the summer months. Her grandchildren's biggest fan, Pat never wanted to miss gymnastics, swim, or track meets, lacrosse and soccer games, or musical productions. She spent countless hours cheering from the sidelines both in person and virtually. Pat loved her sisters dearly and will be missed by her many friends that span several generations. She will long be remembered for her adventurous spirit and never missing a chance to spend time with friends and family.

She was a voracious reader, so much so that many recommendations were met with an opinion; Pat had already read that particular book. She enjoyed her tenure as Corresponding Secretary for the Friends of Cranford Library as well as volunteering at book sales and her children’s grammar schools. Pat rarely missed Jeopardy, for which she once auditioned, and her vast knowledge of trivia made her a valuable team member at LBI trivia nights as captain of "Party Pat and the ole’ 97s” with her grandchildren and beach friends. She loved attending the theater and opera both in New York CIty and locally. 

The family extends their deepest appreciation, love, and thanks to dear friend Trudy Livingston who accompanied Pat during chemotherapy treatments as well as great niece Dr. Colleen Stalter and family friend Dr. Donna Churlin for their loving support.

Visitation is Sunday, April 16th from 4-8pm at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 17th at 10am at Saint Helen's Church, 1600 Rahway Avenue, Westfield. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Long Beach Township Beach Wheels Program, 7910 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Township, NJ 08008

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