Patricia Lantz Blake of Peconic and formerly of Garden City and Jupiter, Fla., died April 3, 2014, after a period of declining health.
Pat was born Jan. 24, 1929, in Far Rockaway to Harold David Lantz and Eleanor May DeHaven. Both her parents were from Lancaster, Pa. As a child Pat enjoyed special summer visits to her grandparents and extended family in Lancaster.
After graduation from Port Washington High School, Pat met William C. Blake on a blind date set-up by a mutual friend. At the time, Bill had a broken toe and was unable to dance, so Bill and Pat spent the evening talking and getting to know each other better. Unbeknownst to them, they set into motion the script for a wonderful life together. Pat and Bill were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Garden City, January 3, 1948.
Family was the most important aspect of Pat’s life. She was a wonderful wife and mother, who always had time to listen and discuss anything and everything. She was a strong-willed and practical woman with a keen intellect and a good sense of fun. Pat had many interests including history, gardening, politics, finance, and fashion. Later, she became a licensed real estate broker, working for Albertson Realty and Sharpe Realty in Southold. She was a member of the Southold Historical Society and often volunteered her time as a docent.
Pat was a real “can do” gal who never asked anyone to do something for her that she could do herself. She kept a lovely, organized home, and together with Bill provided a nurturing environment with routine, stability, warmth, and consistent discipline. Pat and Bill were wonderful parental teammates. They raised their five children by example, through their daily show of respect and devotion to each other.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her son William C. Blake Jr., her son-in-law John Kelly, and her sister Nancy McMahon. She is survived by her sister, Virginia Fringer (Bob) of Colerain, N.C.; daughters, Pamela Kelly (John) of Garden City, Nancy Smith (Ken) of Wilmington, N.C., Elizabeth Backhaus (Rob) of Scarborough, Maine; and her son, Geoffrey Blake (Leah) of Roanoke, Va.
Pat was a grandmother to, Katie and Garrett Gleeson, Kara Kelly; Megan Reed, Colin and Kevin Smith; Julianne Dalton, Madeline and John Blake; Erik, Nicole, and Shannon Backhaus. She was the great-grandmother to Ryan and Molly Reed. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family expresses its deep appreciation to the crews of the Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad, Eastern Long Island Hospital staff, San Simeon by the Sound staff, the Care Givers of Prime Care, Shelter Island, and our dear friend of 30 years, Dawn Heard. We’re grateful for your kind and respectful care of our mom.
The family will receive visitors Thursday, April 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. A funeral service will take place Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold. Burial will take place at the church cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad, 55135 Main Road, Southold, NY 11971, or the Children’s Tumor Foundation, 120 Wall St. New York, NY 10005.
