Obituary of Patricia E. Lanz

Rotterdam-It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Patricia Ellen Lanz, married to Frederick William Lanz, Sr. for 66 years. Patricia passed away peacefully on April 2, 2023  after a long illness. She is survived by her loving husband, children; Cynthia Lanz-Desso (Jim), Frederick Lanz, Jr. (Louise), Michelle Lanz Correll, and Philip Lanz, grandchildren; Alison, Erin, Derek, Jessica, Nathan, Evan, Matthew and Makenzie, great grandchildren; Margaret, Ellaina and Brody, sister; Carol Oullette, brothers; Robert Woodward (Marilyn) and Kenneth Woodward and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lorraine and Gary Newton as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Patricia was born in Glens Falls and raised in Albany where she met the love of her life when he would pull her hair at the Eagle Theatre. She said yes in 1957 and by 1964 all four of her wonderful children were born. This began a beautiful life full of its share of ups and downs but what weaved them all together was love. Patricia enjoyed fishing, spending time in the Adirondacks, family picnics at Thatcher Park, and camping at Cherry Plains State Park. She loved to paint, sing, garden but most importantly, she loved to spend time with family. Patricia leaves her family with beautiful memories of time shared at their camp at Sacandaga Lake, as well as roller coaster rides at the Great Escape and Busch Gardens, Tampa. Most recent memories were made at the Hidden Pond Campground in Brant Lake.

Patricia and Fred owned and operated the Apollo Tavern in Rensselaer where she was famous for sandwiches, venison dinners, Manhattan Clam Chowder (temperature hot hot) and her famous “Patsy’s” potato salad.  After they sold the tavern, she worked for OTB as a manager followed by a career with NYS Division for Youth.

Patricia was a warrior. She survived stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, multiple heart surgeries and earned the nickname “Saint Patricia” for lasting 66 years with her husband. She graduated to heaven on Palm Sunday holding the hands of her husband and son Philip.

The family is extremely grateful to numerous doctors, nurses, and staff on floor A5 at Ellis Hospital who took wonderful care of our “Patsy” in her time of need.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call to the W.J. Lyons, Jr., Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY on Thursday, April 6th from 4-7PM. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home, Friday April 7, 2023, at 10AM with interment immediately following at Memory Gardens.

Memorial donations may be directed to Cobblestone Church, 118 Putnam Road, Rotterdam, NY 12306 and would be appreciated by the family.