Patricia Ann Olsen Landes

Patricia Ann Olsen Landes passed away peacefully in her home on June 22, 2025 at the age of 95. Pat was born on October 26,1929 in Bay Village, Ohio, the daughter of Johannes Olsen and Meta Horning Olsen. She attended Bay High with her sisters, Marion and Beverly, then went on to study nursing at St. Luke’s School of Nursing. While there she met and later married Willard Lynn “Soc” Landes. They started their family in Ohio before relocating to Stone Mountain in 1961, where Pat lived the remainder of her life. Pat shared her life with Soc for 20 years until his untimely death in 1973. Pat met this challenge with strength and resiliency, returning to work at Dekalb Medical Center and raising their five children as a single mother. Pat spent her remaining working years as an IV team nurse on the night shift at the hospital, retiring several times into her 70’s.

Pat had a servant’s heart and had a strong Christian faith. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and attended Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church from 1961 until its closure during the pandemic. Pat served as an elder and participated in weekly Bible studies and several church outreach programs. Throughout her life, Pat volunteered in many capacities including working at the Emory Crippled Children’s Clinic and Red Cross blood drives in the 1960’s. She prepared and served meals at the Ronald McDonald House, taught English to local immigrants, and engaged in community service programs with the Stone Mountain Women’s Club. Pat cherished her involvement in both the Girl and Boy Scout programs, dedicating years as a leader and enjoying annual camping trips with scout friends to Cumberland Island into her early 80’s. Pat loved socializing with friends. In the early years in Georgia, she enjoyed getting together with neighbors. Many nights were spent laughing and playing cards with Betty and Ernie Dobbs. Later in life, Pat and Betty enjoyed traveling to places like Australia, Panama, Canada, and Alaska. Pat also was a long time member of the DeKalb Medical bowling team and enjoyed sharing lunches with her Red Hats group.

Pat had a special connection with animals and was known as the “animal whisperer.” Dogs and cats alike sensed her kind and gentle soul. She loved her cats, both indoor and outdoor, and they loved her. They would snuggle with her on the couch when she watched television and would come and gather on her lap and around her feet when she sat outside in her chair on the front porch. Pat was a sweet mama to MANY cats over the years.

Pat was a strong and independent woman who loved her God and her family. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, her husband Soc, and her daughter-in-law Karin Landes (Kirk). She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Landes (Dennis Stewart), Kim Manget (John), Tracey DeNardis (Mark) and her sons, Marc Landes (Sheri) and Kirk Landes; along with her grandchildren Callie Garcia (Franklin), Will Manget (Kristin), Koy Manget (Steffi), Shelby Landes, Sydney Landes, Lyles Prine, and Lexi Sinclair; and great-grandchildren, Margie, Mia, Eva, Cooper, Quinn, Mac, and Lochlan; as well as good friends Sandy Wilsdon and Debra Warrick.

May her legacy inspire us to live each day with purpose, compassion, love, and gratitude for the gift of life itself. Please, celebrate Pat by wearing joyful colors to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Georgia Special Olympics, or the Humane Society of Forsyth County.