Barbara Mantsch

Barbara Allison Mantsch of Novato, CA, died on March 30, 2024, at the age of 76. She was born on May 20, 1947, in Erie, PA. She moved to California in 1968 and, over the years, lived in San Francisco, San Rafael and Novato. She treasured her time in California and always loved the views of the Bay and the never ending vistas of the hills.
Barb graduated from Academy High School in Erie, PA, in 1965. She had a successful 45 year career in the insurance industry. In her earlier years, she enjoyed running, music, reading and working with church youth groups. Barb was also a dedicated family historian, recalling memories of family gatherings with meticulous detail. Not only could she name the year of a family get-together, she also remembered who was there, the games that were played and the food that was served. Barb was an animal lover and provided a wonderful home to her four cats, Maddie, Breen, Abby and Jennifer, all of whom she adored.
Barbara is survived by her three sisters, Kathleen Reisenberg (Jack), Susan Grygier (Rich), and Carol Mantsch, along with her two nephews, Kurt Reisenberg (Jen Dryer) and Jeffrey Reisenberg (Amy), two nieces, Shannon Grygier and Joanna Grygier, and four great nephews, Zack, Max, Lucas and Thomas Reisenberg. She was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Katherine Mantsch, an infant brother, Thomas Mantsch, and an infant niece, Lauren Reisenberg.
A graveside service to honor Barb's life will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Erie, PA, on June 5 at 11 a.m. The Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is handling the arrangements. Donations in her memory may be made to the Erie Zoo or Because You Care, Inc.