August 16, 1959 – February 2, 2026
Patricia Ann “Patty” Donisi passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on August 16, 1959, in Mason City to Cecil “Jim” and Loretta “Pat” Shultz, and was a graduate of Mason City High School. Patty served in the Army Reserves, and worked as an aid at Good Shepherd before a leukemia diagnosis at age 43 forced her into disability retirement and she then spent her days as caretaker for her parents and brother. Patty was given 3-5 years at her diagnosis but was fortunate to be part of a drug trial study through the University of Iowa that saved her life and gave her another wonderful 23 years.
Patty was soft-hearted, sentimental, and stubborn – in exactly that order. She loved birdwatching and stargazing, and working in her flower beds, especially on her roses. She was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and firmly believed that swearing at the television during games helped them play better, a habit she proudly passed on to her daughter. She loved Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers, and she always said that getting to meet them was one of the best days of her life. Patty hated clutter but somehow managed to keep every piece of sentimental “junk” she ever loved, and was famously uncomfortable with praise and having her picture taken.
Above all else, Patty fiercely loved her daughter, Samantha, who was the pride and joy of her life. She showed that love in ways big and small: waiting in line for hours to get *NSYNC tickets so Sam could make it to a dance competition; staying up all night to build a diorama of the night sky or a life-size 3D snowy owl for a school presentation; cooking escargot (she was a fantastic cook) and bringing it to school for Sam’s French class. Some of Sam’s fondest memories are of lazy weekend mornings when her mom would bake cinnamon rolls and bring them to her in bed, encouraging her to stay there reading all morning.
Patty passed on her love of books by reading to Sam every night when she was little and later introducing her to authors like Jeffrey Deaver and John Sanford, an interest they shared for years, swapping books well into adulthood. Patty never missed a chance to watch her daughter dance and attended every performance she could. Every year, without fail, she called Sam on her birthday to sing to her (embarrassingly!) and to remind her that she labored for forty hours to bring her into the world – something she felt bore repeating annually.
Though she disliked attention, Patty showed up relentlessly for the people she loved. She served as a full-time caretaker for her parents and her brother, sat up all night with a friend’s failing pet so it wouldn’t be alone before they got home, and once drove through the night in a snowstorm just to be with Sam before she had to say goodbye to her beloved cat. Patty was loyal to her core, stubborn in her convictions, and unwavering in her love of friends and family.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Neil Bryant; and her sister-in-law Marianna Bryant. She is survived by her daughter Samantha (Andy) Donisi; her brothers Jerry Bryant and Danny Shultz; her sister Laurie (Marty) Cassel; and her brother Joe (Jane) Shultz.
Patty would have preferred to avoid too much fuss, but those who loved her know this: she showed up, she stayed, and she loved without hesitation. She believed in helping when help was needed, and caring deeply – even when it was hard.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb 7, 2026 at Millennium Hall in Mason City. 514 S. Federal Ave, from 11am to 3pm with a sharing of memories at noon for those who would like to participate or listen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of North Iowa, in honor of Patty’s lifelong love of animals.
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