Patricia M. Zygmont

Patricia M. Zygmont

Embraced life, family matriarch and devoted Catholic

New Hartford – Patricia (Pat) Madeline Hart Zygmont, 91, passed away on May 8, 2022, (Mother’s Day) at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, surrounded by her loving family.

Pat is survived by her devoted husband, Edward, daughter Janise, and sons Thomas, Edward, John, David and Francis. Another daughter, Sharon, preceded her in death in 2016.  Pat is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Pat was born in Meriden, Connecticut.  After graduating from Meriden High School, she trained at Hartford Hospital in Nursing, and after her children were grown, became a Licensed Practical Nurse. At Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Valerie Manor in Torrington, she brought compassion, common sense, and a deep knowledge and interest in health and medical matters.  Patients loved her and co-workers respected and appreciated her competence and strong work ethic.  The family relied on her advice and judgment in health matters.  If they were sick, there was no one who could replace Mom’s trusted care and attention.

In her youth, Pat played the piano and appreciated many styles of music, especially classical and religious music, and opera.  In time, her musical children helped expand her range of interests, and she came to appreciate jazz, rock, folk and more. She went to every concert and school program of her children and actively supported and fostered their curiosity and unique interests.

Pat played basketball in high school and became a big fan of the UCONN women’s basketball team.  She loved playing a challenging game of cards, checkers and board games with her children, and she always played to win.

Pat was an accomplished seamstress and made clothing for herself and her two daughters.  Like her mother, Madeline, and her sisters Jean and Eileen, she demonstrated exceptional talent for needlepoint, embroidery, crewelwork, and knitting. Every family member has at least one of her beautiful creations displayed in their home or in their wardrobe.  Pat also made exquisite christening gowns for the new babies in the family.

A constant presence in the Zygmont family’s life was pure bred, registered German Shepherds.  Over the years, the household included at least one dog and up to as many as five, making for a large and happy collection of personalities. The puppies of 33 litters received a start in life under Pat’s care and attention.  She took great satisfaction and pride in bringing up healthy, beautiful dogs, and finding good homes for them.

Gardening was always an important activity for Pat and her husband, Ed.  He would prepare the soil and together with Pat they would plant a variety of vegetables to augment the family’s diet. In the early years, they even had a small vegetable stand each summer.  With the coming of spring, Pat planned the garden, and raised many of the vegetables and annual flowers from seeds in her small greenhouse. Some of her favorite flowers were peonies, zinnias, rose of Sharon, lilacs and lily of the valley.

The Catholic faith was the central, guiding force in Pat’s life. The common thread expressed throughout her life was respect and reverence for life. She and her husband made pilgrimages to Rome, Fatima and to various religious sites in the Northeast.  In January, Pat and husband Edward celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.  Their strong partnership was forged in love and a strong Catholic faith.  Together they raised seven children, passing along their values of independence, love of nature, gardening, and self-sufficiency. 

Family was of paramount importance to Pat.  She was the glue that held the family together--a woman full of life, wisdom, vitality, laughter and uncommon energy that could fill a room.  She led by example and touched many during her long life.  Her family deeply cherishes the memories of their time together.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 17, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church in Winsted.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph new Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington.

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