Patti Diane Mendarozqueta (nee Grant)

Patti Mendarozqueta, a pillar of strength, resilience, and unwavering positivity, passed away on June 27, 2026. Born on February 25th, 1949, Patti was known for her warmth and an undeniable loving spirit that she shared with the world.

Patti is cherished by her siblings Cheryl (Don), Bob (Roberta), Lori, and Chris, their respective families, along with her cousin, Dick. Her loss is a chasm in the lives of her children Nicole (Jason), Canek, and Danielle (Guillaume), as well as her grandchildren Alek, Emily, Wren, Maïka, and Beatrice. She will be forever missed.

She is joined in rest by her mother, Doris, her stepmother Joyce, her father, George, brother-in-law, Brian, as well as many other loved ones. With an extensive lineage and a family consisting of both blood ties and bonds formed from the heart, Patti's reach is as far as it is wide. Lifelong friend, Lorraine, as well as her family’s dear friend, Valdine, have treasured the deep bond they shared with Patti.

A driven student, Patti’s high school years from 1963-1967 were characterized by steadfast dynamism. She won numerous awards and accolades, from spoken word poetry to piano, choir to barber shop quartets, her love of music and the arts shone throughout. Patti was involved in numerous sports, most notably volleyball and her school’s basketball team, the PCI Pats. Patti’s passion for learning and her uncompromising engagement to academics saw her win the Governor General’s Medal as well as Valedictorian for her graduating class.

Patti had an adventurous spirit which found her in Mexico, fostering enduring family ties. Between

1973-1984 Patti lived in Mexico City where she built profound relationships and began her family. Patti’s connection to Mexico remained constant throughout the rest of her life and her relationships there brought her an immense sense of kinship and comfort.

Her dedication to health and wellness was unmatched. During her 34 years as a physiotherapist with the Portage la Prairie Hospital and subsequent Manager of the Rehabilitation Services of Southern Health, Patti made a lasting impression on every patient, colleague, and community she worked within. She received the CEO Career Achievement Award in 2018 presented by Southern Health and was recognized as an individual who provided exemplary service and who made outstanding, long-term contributions to her profession.

An admirer of poetry and literature, a fervent traveller, an avid baker, a lover of sewing and textile arts, a green-thumbed gardener and a companion to the untouched wilds of the world, Patti’s passions were wide-ranging and ever-present. Like so many aspects of her life, Patti took to her passions with vigor and ardency.

Patti was a devoted mother and grandmother; every competition and recital, symposium and gathering, Patti was in the audience and the stands cheering for her family with bright and unending optimism.

There is no shape to the loss of her, the space that she took up was boundless in its breadth and in its joy. Patti’s legacy is one of unyielding kindness and generosity, she touched the lives of so many. Patti never faltered in caring for those she loved, she was fiercely loyal and doggedly determined for those around her to realize their potential and their dreams. Everything to her was significant, her life served as a testament to her philosophy, "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may realize they were the big things.”

A Celebration of Life for Patti will take place later this summer at Assiniboine Park. A tribute video will be added to her obituary page once available. Those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate her life are welcomed.

Our family would like to thank the Portage General Hospital staff for the genuine care and tenderness in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, please honour Patti with donations to Portage Learning and Portage Learning and Literacy Centre Fund. https://pllc.ca/

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com