Patricia Ann Shanks, 69, a resident of Pasadena for 38 years, and formerly of Baltimore, died on December 9, 2013 at her home after battling colon cancer for four years.

She was born on October 5, 1944, in Baltimore, to the late Anna Angela and William F. Ward, Sr. After high school, she continued her studies in nursing, and attended St. Michael’s Business School. For about 30 years she worked for Caton Manor Nursing Home (Genesis Eldercare) from around 1972 until 2005. She was involved with the Little Sisters of the Poor, and was a member of St. Jane Frances Church. She enjoyed swimming, visiting the ocean, and the mountains. More than anything else she loved her children, grandchildren, and great grand-daughter.

Along with her parents, Patricia is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 35 years: George E. Shanks; her brother Anthony Melvin Smith, and her sister in law Helen Marie Ward.

She is survived by her daughter Deb Shanks, of Pasadena; three sons: Steven Michael Shanks and his wife Liz, of Crownsville, Scott Shanks and his wife Vanessa, of Wilmington, DE, and George Shanks, Sr and his wife Beth, of Pasadena; seven grandchildren: Rebecca, Ashley, Cassidy, George, Jr, Kayla, Dylan, and Samantha; one great grand-daughter Angelique; two brothers: William Franklin Ward, Jr. and his wife Sarah, George Edward Ward and his wife Margaret; her sister in law Barbara Smith; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for her on Saturday at 2 PM in St. Jane Frances Church, with Monsignor Carl Cummings officiating. Those who wish may contribute to the Little Sisters of the Poor, and to the American Diabetes Association, and feel free to express your condolences here as well.