Patricia Kay Mento

Patricia Mento ObituaryVisit the Going Home Cremation & Funeral Care by Value Choice, P.A. - Woodbine website to view the full obituary.Patricia " Kay" Mento passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026. Kay was born August 27, 1938, in central Pennsylvania, the fifth of six children of Walter Long, a railroad worker, and Angeline Long, a devoted mother. A gentle, curious child, who fainted at the sight of blood, Kay delighted in the flowers, trees, and sky of her rural surroundings, shaped by the love and humor of her three sisters and two brothers.After high school she became a secretary and soon caught the eye of Sam, a government auditor. Within two years they married. Six years later, with sons Philip and Jeffry and daughter Paige, they moved to Germany for Sam's assignment. As Sam traveled extensively for work, Kay found her stride with the wives and families of the ex-pat community, earning a reputation for wit, warmth, and effortless hospitality.In Germany she set up an easel by a sunny window and began painting in earnest. When the family returned to the US, settling in Maryland, Kay explored oil, watercolor, pottery, and fabric arts, even crafting personalized dolls for her grandchildren. Though she briefly worked as a draftsman, a school system administrator, and in a county liquor store-where she insisted on being treated as an equal-she always gravitated back to her true passions: art and family. Her and Sam's home, hung with her work, was always open for birthdays, holidays, or spontaneous gatherings.Kay's love came with a fierce passion. She never tolerated poor logic, unkindness, or injustice and earnestly protected her children from the vagaries of such attributes. Her devotion extended to grandchildren Danny and his wife Nicole, Nick and Max; great-grandchildren Penelope and Charlotte; daughters-in-law Maryanne and Lynn; Paige's partner John; her five siblings and extended family, especially niece Connie Hyde, her daily confidante.For 66 years Sam and Kay shared a partnership built on trust, creativity, and deep love. Kay was beautiful, fierce, funny, and loyal-once she loved you, she loved you forever. We will carry her light with us always.The family will be holding a celebration of life event for Kay this spring. To be notified of the coming plans, please reach out to [email protected].In lieu of flowers or other offers of condolences, the family suggests a donation to the Casey House. Services entrusted to Going Home Cremation and Funeral Care.Read The Full Obituary