Obituary of Patricia E. Manhardt

Patricia “Patty” Eileen Manhardt (nee McErlane), deeply beloved by many, passed away on February 25, 2025. She was 63 years old. She is survived by her children, Robert (Katie) Manhardt, Laura (Conner) Manhardt, and Jonathan Manhardt, her grandchildren, Knox Manhardt and Macie Manhardt, and her sisters Mollie (Craig) Auberger, Iduna “Peggy” Borger, Jean McGrady, and Julie (David) Crispino. She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jeannette (nee Heckler) McErlane, and three dearly loved babies lost to miscarriage. Patty was born in Cincinnati, OH on April 15, 1961. She attended Nativity School and later Ursuline Academy, graduating in 1979. She maintained dear memories of tv dinners with her Aunt Ida, who was a pivotal figure in her childhood. As an adolescent, she participated in Ursuline’s Drama Club, Art Club, and Choir, in addition to the Purcell Marian Drama Club. She wore a stunning pink bunny costume in a production of The Velveteen Rabbit. In the years since her ALS diagnosis, she enjoyed the comfort of many of her favorite childhood foods: Zotz, deviled ham, corned beef hash, bean with bacon soup…her tastes in food were as interesting as she. After graduating from Ursuline, Patty attended the University of Dayton and obtained a B.S. in Computer Science. She then went on to earn her MBA from Xavier University, and her master’s Certificate in Project Management through the George Washington University. She worked at Skyline Chili during her time in Dayton, and when a rude customer commented that she probably didn’t know how to calculate their receipt, she proudly informed them she was a Computer Science major, and she certainly could. As is the case for many, her years in higher education were full of adventures and misadventures. But true to her character, she worked hard and succeeded. In her career, Patty worked under several companies – Great American, CBIS, Convergys, Citigroup, CBTS, and Givaudan, to name a few. She worked on many projects you use every day, including mobile check deposit and tap to pay. Most importantly, she cultivated many friendships that were a significant source of support and comfort through her life. Patty was known by many loving nicknames in her time, including Trish, Cupcake, Pattycake, and Princess Jellybean, but her favorite title was “Mom.” Patty’s best days were those she spent with her children, whom she loved above all else. She was an active participant in their learning, an encourager of their adventures, and a cheerleader through their best and worst days. Her joy as a mother was brought to new levels with the birth of her grandson, Knox, the upcoming birth of her granddaughter, Macie, and the knowledge that more grandchildren would come. She loved being “Mom.” Though the last few years of Patty’s life on Earth were brutal, they were arguably her most defining. Each struggle and each joy she encountered along her journey prepared her to face an ALS diagnosis in July of 2020. She conveyed remarkable resilience, courage, and willingness to soak in the miraculous joys of life. She advocated for ALS patients, both locally and at the federal level, and never ever ever gave up. Patty was wholeheartedly set on ending ALS, and though her loved ones are devastated that that day did not come soon enough for her, they know it is coming soon thanks to her dedication. Patty’s final message to you would be: Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. A Funeral Mass for Patty will be celebrated at 11:00AM on March 3rd at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord (5935 Pandora Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45213), with a preceding Viewing at 10:00AM. The Rite of Committal and burial will be held at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to I AM ALS at: https://www.iamals.org/give/ Or you may donate your time at: https://www.iamals.org/action/ Patty was a volunteer advocate on the I AM ALS Legislative Affairs team.