Patricia Shaffer Landis
May 29, 1951 - August 6, 2022
Pat Landis, age 71, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away on Saturday, August 6th, 2022.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, she was the daughter of Grace Shaffer and Melvin Shaffer. Pat graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and from Wilmington College with a Master’s in Social Work.
Over the years, Pat’s career endeavors were as varied and as unique as she was. In her younger years, Pat was a radio host for WAMS in Wilmington and worked at Goodwill Industries as a grant writer. Pat was also the proud owner of a shop in Trolley Square called Melissa’s, where she sold eclectic gifts and exotic perfumes. While running the shop, she also taught Psychology at Wilmington University. After relocating to Key West, Pat worked as a wedding officiant and had a business called Enchantment of Key West. Melissa and Pat enjoyed their time working together at the Southernmost Hotel. Pat had an amazing talent when writing wedding vows. Upon returning to Delaware, she spent a number of years as a bereavement specialist for two different hospices.
Pat was an avid animal lover and was the caretaker for several feral cat colonies over the years. She loved to travel, tend to her garden, read, and was known for her special talent with roses. Pat also loved spending time with her daughter, Melissa, as well as family and friends. Shopping trips with her sister, Sharon, were always fun. Pat had a knack for creating beauty in her surroundings and her home.
Pat is survived by her daughter, Melissa and son-in-law, Anthony Renzulli. In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Sharon DiStefano, Ruth Lange, and her brother, “Buddy” Shaffer. She is also survived by her nephew, John DiStefano and her niece, Lindsey Bordas. She will be dearly missed by her two cats, Pumpkin and Gracie. She is predeceased by her parents as well as by her sister, Rita Babe, her nephew, Louis Davis, and her brother, “Pinky” Shaffer.
Interment will be on Friday, August 12th, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Gracelawn Memorial Park’s “Garden of Remembrance” – 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720. Interment is open to any who would like to attend.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, August 19th at 1:00 pm at the Buzz Ware Village Center at 2119 The Highway, Wilmington, DE 19810. All are invited to attend. As flowers were Pat’s great passion, you are welcome to send or contribute flowers for the celebration. Pink or Blush Pink roses in particular, were her favorite. Contributions in Pat’s memory may also be made to Forgotten Cats (forgottencats.org).
Reverend Carin M. Bonifacino
RevCarin.com
610-572-2155
Mary Beth Scalise
I’m her brother “Pinky’s” daughter. Aunt Patty was always kind to us girls and I particularly remember her beautiful style. She was always so fancy in my eyes and dressed so lovely. I last say her at my father’s funeral. Im sorry we were never close but I do remember her fondly and pray for comfort for Melissa and Sharon.
Linda Shively
I am Anthony’s mother. I fondly remember meeting Pat many years ago in Key West while visiting Anthony and Melissa. She came across to me as a very stylish, kind, and caring person. I’m sure that having Melissa close by in the last years of Pat’s life gave them both much comfort. My sincere condolences to Melissa, Anthony, and her family on the loss of a special and unique person.
Patty Carroll
Aunt Patty, so beautiful! Love you!
Yolanda Meadowcroft RN CHPN
Pat you were a great friend. I loved working with you. I could call you at any time for families going through hard times of the loss of loved ones.You always made of families feel special. You forever will be in my heart ❤️ Love you Pat I know your with the lord.
Pastor Kevin Benjamin (Newark UMC)
Pat Landis was a delightful individual. I had the opportunity to work with her at the former Season’s Hospice. She was always upbeat and had a positive outlook on life. She will be missed.
Ruth Lange
Pat is /was my sister .We were very close before she moved to Florida and I retired to Arizona. That’s how it goes as a family grows n moves on..We always kept in touch all of us children. I was a teen and babysat Ptty as I called her a lot even name my 1st child after her.Ii will miss her so much but will always have h great memories so go to in rememberance …
Love You My Beautiful Sister.
James Carr
Magic and Mystery, Beauty and Kindness… this was my wondrous thyme of knowing Pat Landis. I actually can’t describe my Feelings of loss for someone who lived in the world of Eternal Spirit… but to lighten my thoughts and sentiments, she had a sly Humor, an inimicable Style, and could dance on the bar and hold every eye to her. She lives on… and the Sky welcomes her into its Loving Arms.🌅🙏
Heather Brown LCSW
Pat, you touched so many lives and filled the world with love and compassion. It was a joy and a pleasure to have been your colleague, and it was an inspiration to witness your counseling gifts. What I will cherish the most is your gift of friendship. I love you and will miss you. Sending sincere condolences to Melissa and all of Pat’s family.
Jill Smith
My heart goes out to you, Melissa, and to the rest of Pat’s family. Pat and I were Social Worker’s at DE Hospice where I saw her compassion and loving support for the families. Her calm and caring countenance were treasured by all. She had many skills including leading the most wonderful visual meditations on our retreats. When she moved to Fla, another Soc. Worker, Linda Wills, and I visited her cute ‘conch house’ – she had a talent for creating a cozy space and welcoming friends. I was happy to meet you, Melissa, and experience one of Pat’s rounds checking in on stray cats; with you providing much laughter. She seemed most happy living in Key West and being with you. I know you will miss her. Her presence will be missed yet her memory treasured. When I think of her I smile. With my deepest sympathy and fondest memories – Jill
CAROL VAN LIEW
I met Pat when she called me after my Mom passed away at Season’s Hospice in the hospital in 2016. From the first time we spoke I knew she was someone that would be there for me.Her kind, caring ways, sweet soft calming voice & oh that wonderful hug helped calm me & put me more at ease. She was always there for me, never rushed me & wanted to be sure I was ok before we hung up the phone. Even when I didn’t call it seemed she knew I when i needed her & she would call me. She made my grief times easier.
Pat touched my life in such a way as no other has ever done before. I will never forget her. I know she is smiling down at all of us now & receiving the peace she deserves. I wish i could. Have been at her Celebration of Life day. I would have loved to hear more about her life & see pictures of her throughout her life. I am grateful to have met her & have so many sweet memories in my heart of her. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of her family. Love you Pat ❣️