Obituaries
Patricia D. Shenk, 69
April 28, 1952 - August 13, 2021
Patricia D. Shenk, of Landisville, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021 after a two year battle with cancer. She was 69.
Pat was born in the Bronx, NY to John and Dorothy Donohue on April 28, 1952. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Fair Lawn, NJ, where she grew up with her brother Jack and her sister Sue. She went on to receive a degree in Education at Elizabethtown College where she met the love of her life, Gary Shenk, who would become her husband for the next 43 years.
After several years of working as an advocate for the disabled, she found her calling at Noah’s Ark preschool. Over the course of 32 years of teaching, Pat touched the lives of hundreds of children with her enthusiasm for science, learning, and play.
She raised two sons, Ryan and Kyle, and welcomed into the family their wives, Kelly and Rachel, with open arms. She was a loving Kiki to her granddaughter, Zoe, and her granddogs, Nimbus, Stella, and Dolores.
Pat will be remembered for her sense of humor, overwhelming optimism in the face of adversity, and most of all her spontaneous, infectious laugh.
Her family gives heartfelt thanks to all those who provided kindness, care, and support over the past two years.
A private Celebration of Life will be held to honor her memory.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
September 03, 2021
To the family of Mrs. Shenk:
We were saddened to hear that Mrs. Shenk as we knew her went to be with the Lord while we were away. She was a very important part of my Granddaughter Taylor’s life as she spent every day after school in the Laser program with her. Taylor and I both said we will remember her smile and kindness. She said when would arrive at Laser she would always greet her with a smile and would always take the time to ask Taylor how her day was and then listen to her. Taylor would always look for her on the days she knew Mrs. Shenk would be there. Taylor also loved playing games with her. Mrs Shenk would also always greet me with a smile and as she gave Taylor a hug goodbye she would say one of these days we need to get together as we live so close. Then covid came and even though we didn’t see her at Laser due Taylor going virtual she would often say how she misses Mrs Shenk and Mrs U and kept them in her prayers. We send our deepest sympathy to your family and she will be deeply deeply missed. Taylor said with tears to let you all know how much she meant to her and she will miss her so much! Keeping you all in our prayers.
Guy, Luci and Taylor DeBord
September 01, 2021
Back in April, you reached out to me after many, many years of no contact and I was happy to talk with you. We spoke of our current families. Mainly we talk about our childhood which brought me a lot of pleasure. Well the Lord has decided to call you to his side. What little emailing we did was good and I will miss them.
To your family, my heart goes out to all of you.
Jimmy McAllister
August 29, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s been years since I’ve seen your mom, however, whenever we did see each other, she always felt like a mom to me. I still have pictures from when we went to go see all the Lego statues. I’m so sorry.
Alexis Lindsay
August 28, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss. I called Pat my sunshine because of her smile, laugh and sense if humor. She’s an inspiration to those who are in the same situation, handling her illness with courage and not letting it totally run her life. The last visit here to our house is my lasting memory of her along with the night of the New Year’s Eve party when after so many years apart, we rekindled our friendship! We first met at the nursery school at the Methodist church when Ryan and Kyle were in the same classes as my children. We were friends for awhile, but life got in the way. It is my regret we didn’t continue that friendship! I recently told her that and she said to me, we are together now. It us with heartfelt thanks to God that we met up again. I will miss her very much!!!!!
Karen (Deist) Michener and Mike Michener
August 26, 2021
I really do not know where to start about Pat! I met her in the 70’s when we were working in a group home for mentally challenged adults. Her smile, laugh, energy and above all true concern for everyone was so beyond belief! She was someone whose presence in a room made it so much better! Heaven gained a super angel . She will be missed.
August 26, 2021
Sending our sympathy to your family. Our son and daughter, Matt and Katelyn, were two of the hundreds of children Pat nurtured and loved at Noah’s Ark. We have very fond memories of her. Blessings to your family.
Carol Fahnestock
August 26, 2021
We were sorry to see that Mrs. Shenk had passed away. Our condolences to her family.
She was so fun and a great teacher at Noah’s Ark, when our kids were small. She was certainly a treasured lady, with an infectious smile! May she Rest In Peace!
The Battle Family
August 26, 2021
Pat was such a wonderful person. I learned to know her when I worked as the secretary at Noah’s Ark
Preschool. She was a fun loving person who was always there ready to help with whatever you presented to her. We just always had fun. She and Mrs. Tobias were quite a team. She will be missed by her fanily and whoever had the priviledge of knowing her. I also remember her wonderful laugh you could not miss it when she was around.
Charlene Butzer
