Saratoga Springs – Patricia Anne Goodfellow Zimmerman, 76, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at her home.

Born on March 29, 1945 in Syracuse, NY, she is the daughter to the late Anne Maria Menzie Ryan, step-father Stanley Ryan, and father Robert Goodfellow. After high school she went on to attend SUNY Potsdam where she would meet her husband, Dennis, in the lunch line… or dinner line… it depends on who was telling the story. She graduated in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in education. Patricia was very proud to keep close connections with some of her college classmates. In 1967 she and Dennis moved to Cortland where they started raising their family. They later moved to Liberty, NY where Patricia was a reading teacher, but they eventually settled in Saratoga Springs and in the mid 1980's Patricia began her career working with people with developmental disabilities, eventually retiring as a case coordinator for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. It was very important to Patricia to advocate for those who didn't have a voice, and she was highly skilled in fulfilling that role.

Patricia was truly dedicated to her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and sister. She also loved her pets and took such good care of her cats and dogs. She also worked hard creating beautiful gardens at her home. She would do anything for her family and friends and loved spending time with them. She especially enjoyed her time with the "Ladies Who Lunch." Patricia also loved vacationing annually with Dennis and the kids in Rhode Island and eventually with Dennis in Cape Cod. She was creative and resourceful, always knowing how to fix a problem or guide someone to the best answer.

After a near death experience resulting from a car crash in 1969, Patricia embraced spirituality. This experience shaped her view of the hereafter that it is a beautiful place and existence.  She was a big believer in treating people nicely and helping people find their way. She was the spiritual teacher for her two children.

Patricia is preceded in death by her son, Jason, mother and stepfather Anne Maria Menzie and Stanley Ryan and father Robert Goodfellow.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Dennis and daughter Paula Zimmerman, brothers David Goodfellow and spouse Lynne, and Robert Goodfellow and spouse Prudence York. She is also survived by her stepbrother Wayne Ryan and spouse Gloria, her half-brother Jerry Goodfellow, her cousin Sistie Biggs who was like a sister, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 2-4pm on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373).

FACE COVERINGS WILL BE REQUIRED. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Burial will be private.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.