Obituary of Patricia A. Steffens

Patricia A. (Degnan) Steffens, age 78, of Gloversville, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Fulton Center, Gloversville.

 

She was born May 9, 1941 in Gloversville, the daughter of the late Stanley and Lena (Gifford) Degnan. A 1959 graduate of Gloversville High School, she attended SUNY Cortland, where she was a member of Theta Phi Sorority. Her career as a Physical Education and later Special Education teacher stretched from London, England to Frankfort, Germany, Portland, Oregon and CNY. Her interest in sports was evident in her coaching of several different sports throughout her career.

 

Her love of travel took her to all corners of the world and provided many memorable experiences.  Taking a bus tour in 1967 she went through the wall from West Berlin to East Berlin and said it felt like “freedom being lifted.”  Once she retired, her love of animals and nature brought her to the Greater Rochester Teachers Assoc. Birding Group with whom she shared bird-watching trips across the world.

 

She belonged to the Seventeeners of Syracuse, a group of friends who gathered at a local Irish pub the seventeenth of every month to celebrate their Irish heritage.

 

An avid reader, she was never without a book and she diligently researched the genealogy of her family.  Ever the ultimate organizer she was always in charge of family trips and gatherings.  Family was most important to her and her time spent with her cousins brought her the greatest joy of all.  She was devoted to her niece and nephews; they were the highlight of her life.  Pat’s memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.  She was vibrant, energetic and always ready for the next adventure.

 

Pat is survived by a sister, Joan M. Ciaccio (Guy); a brother, David A. Degnan (Kathleen); nephews, David Degnan (Monica), Michael Degnan (Jackie), Brad Degnan (JoAnne) and Daniel Degnan; a niece, Lindsay Ciaccio Frattura (Kevin); nephews, Thomas Ciaccio (Gina) and Christopher Ciaccio (Leigh); as well as several grandnieces and grandnephews.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, Gloversville, where a private service will take place at the convenience of the family due to the Covid-19 Outbreak. Interment will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville.

 

Please visit the online memorial and sign the Virtual Guest Book Registry to support the family at www.brbsfuneral.com

 

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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