"Hey Mancinis: This post is really late, but I wanted to offer my condolences. I don?t like many people, and I trust even fewer. Kathleen Mancini was a very special person and a kind soul. She extended grace and compassion to all people, especially me, which shows how loving, kind, and elegant she was. Her smile, wit, and sense of humor were always appreciated, and the love offered by your family during my times of strife will never be forgotten. Thank you so much. The world is a better place because of your mom, and she touched the hearts of all that she encountered in a positive and beautiful way. I have met 3 people who have given me hope to improve myself and have a better life, and your mom was one of them. Humans cannot be God, but they can know God?s love. Your mom did, and she shared this will all she met. I don?t have any more to say, and I will probably never see any of you again. I wish everyone the best of luck and extended my sincerest thanks."
In loving memory of
Kathleen Mancini
Kathleen (Patrick) Mancini passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 2, 2019 at her home in Flagstaff, AZ. She lived a life of joy and laughter and her happiness touched the lives of everyone she knew. To Kathleen, life was an adventure to be lived to the fullest.
Originally from Southern California, Kathleen was born June 23, 1951 to Gail "Pat" and Yvonne (Denis) Patrick. Kathleen attended St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic School and Birmingham High School in Los Angeles, CA where she made lifelong friendships, a theme throughout her life.
Kathleen earned her degree in nursing from the University of Southern California in 1973 and spent her 45-year career as a Registered Nurse in Arizona at Maricopa Medical Center, Flagstaff Medical Center, and The Mayo Clinic Hospital. During her career, she earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Nursing Leadership.
In 1973, Kathleen, a fun loving California 'hippie' met an aspiring Arizona cowboy, Bill Mancini. They married October 26, 1974 and eventually settled in Phoenix, where they raised their five children.
Her life was filled with outdoor adventures: Coming of age on the California beaches in the 60s, rafting the Colorado River, backpacking in the Sierra Nevada mountains, cycling, and camping. Her zest for life found her completing the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska, trekking through Europe with her best friend Sheri Grattan, and active participation in her cycling group, "The Ladies".
Kathleen's greatest passion was her family. She was a constant source of love and kindness, and created fond memories of vacations to Yosemite, organizing countless birthday parties, fantastic weddings, and rich holiday celebrations.
She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Pat and Yvonne. She is survived by her older brother Kevin (Lynn) and younger brother Thomas (Rachel); her beloved husband of 44 years Bill; her five children, Nick (Stacie), Mary Chew (Jeremy), Karina Gushue (Thomas), Christina Ricketts (John), Sarah Altenberg (Niklas); her ten grandchildren Celeste, Brenden, Aiden, Colette, Camden, Fiona, Emery, Nathan, Shannon, and Sage.
Kathleen's final wishes were that her services be a joyful celebration of her wonderful life. With that in mind, a celebration will be held on January 11, 2019 at 6pm at Hansen Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
A funeral mass will be held on January 12, 2019 at 11am at St. Patrick's Catholic Community, 10815 N 84th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 followed by a reception in Fenlon Hall.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the location she held dearest, Yosemite, via yosemiteconservancy.org/gift-memory
Tributes
"Hi Mom - I cannot tell you how much I will I miss you. Thank you for giving me love everyday and teaching me to be kind. I love how you lived your best life, I will do the same - just like you. (one of) The love(s) of your life, Christina Daughter of Kathleen"
"Dear Bill and Family, Thirty-five years ago I was given by life a very special gift. That gift was getting to know you and your family. That same life however, would then bring me to a different place, away from Phoenix, not enabling me to see you again. However a part of the caring, the faith, the smile, the dedication to family and others, the essence of who Kathleen was, was never far from me throughout these thirty-five years! You were blessed to have her and I was blessed to have gotten to know her! Please accept my condolences."
"Dear Mr. Mancini, Mary, and family, I am so deeply saddened over the loss of Mrs. Mancini. I send my heartfelt condolences. It has been many years since the SSJ days but I still have fond memories of spending time with your family and the fun that was always shared. Thinking of Mrs. Mancini brings a smile to my face as I recall her beautiful and infectious laughter. I pray for her love to continue to surround you. God bless."
"Dear Bill and Family, our deepest sympathies to you all. The memories of Kathleen's joyful laughter and endearing love for everyone holds close to our hearts and remembering the many wonderful memories shared at SS&J over those many years. My God bless and keep you each and every day -- we know He holds dear Kathleen today free from all worries and pain."
"To Bill and the Mancini Family, Please accept my most sincere sympathies for the loss of your precious gift. May the prayers of all people who love the two of you bring solace to your soul. "When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know""
"Dear Mancini Family, I want you to all know what beautiful memories I have of Kathleen during the Ss. Simon and Jude days. Bill, she was always so happy and joyful and helpful at the school; a blessing to us all. She would bounce into my classroom and spread happiness everywhere! Your five children were each wonderful, as well, surely a result of the love and care you and Kathleen showed them. The photo in the obituary shows the same sparkle in her eyes that I remember from all those years ago. My love to each of you. I remember the girls well, and Nick as the Big Brother."
"Dear Bill and family We are praying that you will find comfort in your love for Kathleen and her amazing love for each of you. May your many wonderful memories bring you joy as Kathleen would want for you. We too are feeling grief for the loss of a great friend and wonderful human being. We will always treasure the wonderful times we have shared with all of you. God bless you all. Love, Stacy and Verna."
"To Bill and Kathleen's family, I had the honor of working with Kathleen at Maricopa Medical Center for 7 years. Thank you for sharing her with us for so many years. Know that she made a difference in many professional and patient lives. My deepest sympathies to all for this loss."
"Karina- Thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. It?s easy to see where you got your gracious heart. With much love, Abel and Angie Rodriguez"
"Dear Mancini's, We are truly sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother and wife. She was a good example for everyone. We will miss her as we know you do already. Our sympathies are with you all. The Wookey Family (Stacie's family)"
"Bill and Family Our deepest sympathy for your family?s loss of Kathleen. She was always an extraordinary person in every way: wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, coworker and friend. So positive and uplifting to be around, Kathleen wore her enthusiasm in everything she did. Our Love and Prayers"
"I met her a few times through Chrissy and Karina but wow! She was even more amazing than I knew. Sincere condolences and it sure sounds like she had a full life of adventure and love! ?? Love, Kristin, Dave and Dash"
"Bill, it was such a pleasure showing you and Kathleen the sights in and around Anchorage when she and I walked the Mayor?s Midnight Sun Marathon. She was such a sweet lady and I'm certain that all who know her will miss her greatly. My wife Linda and I send you and yours our condolences and wish you the best in the difficult days ahead."
"Dear Bill and family, I had the privilege of working with Kathleen at Flagstaff Medical Center for several years when she worked as the nurse manager for our department. Kathleen was always a true professional and highly regarded by all who worked with her. She continued her strong friendships with many at FMC after she moved back to the Phoenix area. I will so miss Kathleen, as I considered her not just a colleague, but a special friend. For the past year and a half I have been in Virginia and I will not be able to attend the services. I send my condolences to you, Bill, and her children and grandchildren, who she loved so dearly. LIsa Brugh"
"Bill - my sincere sympathy. Your wife sounds really wonderful. Seems like you've been very lucky to have spent so much time with her. Sorry that I didn't get the opportunity to know her better. I know you'll keep the joyful memories in mind each day! all the best - Mark Lymer *fyi Jan 11 is my birthday and will be spending the weekend in Flagstaff, as i usually get out of town on 'my' holiday."
"My Class Mate At Saint Bridgets for 8 years, she was a loving and caring person ... my Wife Laura and I extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Patrick Familt..."
"Dear Bill, Kathleen sounds like such a wonderful person. i am sure you are proud of all her accomplishments. I know you both traveled a lot as I followed your posts on FB. You must have some wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are will you all at this sad time. Sincerely, Pat"