Patricia Degelman

Patricia Degelman (nee Zahrybelny), 78. With heavy hearts, the family of Patricia Degelman announces her peaceful passing, surrounded by her loving family, on September 8, 2025, at the age of 78, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Brantford in 1946, Patricia devoted her life to family, education, faith, and service. She was the beloved wife of Frank, loving mother of Stephanie Roung (Chris), Aaron Degelman (Cindy), and Eric Degelman (Melissa), and cherished grandmother of Carter, Lilli, Ryder, and Jacoby. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Alexis Roung. Patricia also shared a special bond with Kailee Mitchell. Predeceased by parents Michael and Annie Zahrybelny, brother Alex (Pat), sister Luella (Don) Manners, in-laws Frank Sr. and Alice Degelman, and sisters-in-law Sharon (Bob) Dragutinovich and Sheila (John) Kristan. Survived by sisters Helen Langille (the late Rod) and Diane (Jim) Somerville, sisters-in-law Shelley (Oliver) Hanratty, Mary (Randy) Barber, and Sherrill (the late Bill) Tisdale, and lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews, and extended family. A dedicated teacher with the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, Patricia taught primary and special education before serving as a religion consultant. She will be remembered for her selfless nature, kind heart, generosity, and sense of humour, always enjoying joking around with her students and colleagues. She volunteered widely, including with the Brantford Food Bank, was a proud member of Paris Laureate Alpha Phi sorority, and also worked as a cruise consultant with Brantford Expedia Cruiseship Centers. Visitation will be held at Thorpe Brothers Funeral Home, 96 West St., Brantford, on Monday, September 15, from 1 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 133 Murray St., Brantford, on Tuesday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Paris. In lieu of flowers, donations to Canadian Food for Children (Dr. Andrew Simone) are appreciated.