Memorial trees planted for:

Patricia Ann Zawisza

Patricia "Patty" Zawisza passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, surrounded by family, following complications from surgery and pneumonia. At the time of her passing, Patty was with her two devoted sons and their wives, Dan O'Brien (Alison) and Sean O'Brien (Lyndsey). She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. First and foremost, Patty was a deeply loving and devoted mother to Dan and Sean, whom she raised with unwavering support, encouragement, and faith. Being their mom was her greatest joy, and she was immensely proud of the men they became. A lifelong Christian, Patty dedicated her professional life to serving others, particularly children and families facing hardship. When her sons were young, Patty worked as a Head Start aide, where her compassion, patience, and commitment to children were evident early on. She later served the State of New York, ultimately concluding her primary career with the Otsego County Health Department as Director of Children with Special Needs. In this role, she was widely respected for her advocacy, expertise, and unwavering commitment to students with special needs and their families. After retiring from New York State, Patty relocated to Roanoke, Virginia to be closer to family. Feeling called to continue serving, she spent several years working for the Commonwealth of Virginia as an Autism Specialist and Applied Behavior Analyst. After retiring from the Commonwealth, she established her own private consulting practice, continuing her lifelong mission of helping others. Patty was a proud and joyful grandmother to Camille and Ellie O'Brien, who brought her endless happiness. She loved watching her granddaughters participate in volleyball, lacrosse, dance, and many other activities. Patty was also a cherished sister to Colleen, Kathy, and Jeanie, and treasured the close bond she shared with them. Patty enjoyed travel, including a meaningful trip to Ireland in 2022 with her sisters and father (and Chris), and most recently to Amsterdam, NY in August 2025 to celebrate her father's 20th wedding anniversary with his wife, Chris. Deeply involved in her church community, Patty found fellowship, purpose, and lasting friendships. When her health allowed, she volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and served on a committee that brought faith-filled women together for monthly gatherings and luncheons, relationships she held dear. Patty's life was one of faith, service, resilience, and love. She leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, advocacy, and a steadfast belief in the dignity of every person. She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Donohue. She is survived by her father, Daniel T. Donohue (Chris); her sons, Daniel O'Brien (Alison) and Sean O'Brien (Lyndsey); her granddaughters, Camille and Ellie O'Brien; her three sisters, Colleen Baird (Bill), Kathy Paton, and Jeanie Donohue; and her step-granddaughters, Veronica Hall, Sabrina Haynes (Kevin), and Savannah Shannon (Liam), as well as her step-great-grandchildren, Layla and Isaiah Hall, Holden and Hunter Haynes, and Kylie Shannon. Her beloved dog, Salvatore ("Sal"), will be lovingly rehomed with her son. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Nazareth Church in Roanoke, VA, on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. A service will follow at 10:30 a.m., with a graveside service taking place immediately afterward at St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery. Flower donations may be sent to Oakey's Chapel South (4257 Brambleton Ave, Roanoke, VA 24018). In honor of Patty's commitment to faith and service, donations may be made in her memory to Compassion International, https://www.compassion.com  an organization she supported for many years.

October 22, 1953 - December 20, 2025

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7 Trees have been planted in memory of Patricia Zawisza.

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Memorial Trees

Anonymous

January 04, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Patricia Ann Zawisza has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

With deepest sympathy, May God be at your side to guide you and give you strength and peace.

Tori Cappa

January 01, 2026

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Patricia Ann Zawisza has been arranged by Tori Cappa. Plant a tree

Words fall short trying to express the respect, and appreciation, I have. She guided me through my career with kindness and wisdom. She will be missed

The Rose girls (Karen, Laura, and Donna)

December 31, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Patricia Ann Zawisza has been arranged by The Rose girls (Karen, Laura, and Donna). Plant a tree

Our deepest condolences to the family. With much love,Karen, Laura, and Donna Rose

The Scialabbas (Molly, Jim and Sophia)

December 30, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Patricia Ann Zawisza has been arranged by The Scialabbas (Molly, Jim and Sophia). Plant a tree

Dan, Sean and family, Our condolences to you all. Sending love, light and prayers. xoxo

Nancy Gomula and daughters

December 26, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Patricia Ann Zawisza has been arranged by Nancy Gomula and daughters. Plant a tree

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