Patricia "Pat" Zakala

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Patricia Zakala, who left us peacefully in the early hours of August 10, 2025, after a long illness. She now reunites with her parents, Irene and William Zakala, and her brother, Glen, in their place of rest. She is survived by her husband, Ken Denman; her daughters, Taryn and Courtney Denman; and her treasured grandchildren, Julian and Liliana Agpaoa.

Pat — or Patti, as many knew her — grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, surrounded by a close-knit extended family. She treasured her Ukrainian heritage, joyfully celebrating Ukrainian Christmas and Easter each year with her parents, aunts, cousins, and other loved ones. These gatherings were filled with tradition, laughter, and the deep sense of connection that would remain important to her throughout her life.

As a teenager, Pat’s life took a turn when her father’s work with Air Canada brought the family to Beaconsfield, Quebec. Though the move was a big change, she quickly became close friends with Ken’s sister, Beverley, and soon after began her romance with Ken. They married when Pat was 19 and started their family shortly thereafter. After welcoming their daughters, they settled in Florida for many years, enjoying the warmth of the climate and the steady stream of visits from family and friends. Pat stayed home to raise her girls before beginning a new career as an Administrative Assistant once they were in school.

Eventually, Pat and Ken returned to Canada, settling back in Winnipeg to be closer to family. There, she continued to nurture family connections and later embarked on a career as a technical writer. A brief return to Quebec followed before she came back to Winnipeg when her illness began.

Pat was best known as a loving wife, mother, “Gran,” and friend. She took great pride in her family and cherished traveling and gathering with them — especially at the cottage in Mountain View. Friends and family remember her as joyful, funny, and kind. Becoming a grandmother was one of her greatest joys, and she spent as much of her later well-being as possible with Julian and Liliana, creating memories they will always carry.

A lifelong lover of activity, Pat played softball, ran marathons, and even took up ringette in her forties. She was creative at heart — a talented sewer and always eager to try new projects, from stained glass to home decorating.

Animals held a special place in Pat’s heart. She shared her home with many pets over the years and fostered dogs for several seasons — often “failing” in the happiest way possible by adopting the ones she fostered.

Pat will be remembered for her caring nature, her humor, and the light she brought to every gathering. Her laughter will echo at the cottage and in family celebrations for years to come.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the 6th floor staff at Beacon Hill Lodge for their devoted care over the past six years and in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba.

Funeral service for Patricia will be held at 4:00 p.m. on August 23rd, 2025, at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB