June 12, 1928 – May 26, 2026
Patricia Ann Depew DeGroff of Schoharie June 12, 1928 – May 26, 2026, was as good and loving a mom, grandmother, teacher, and person as ever lived. Her love and beautiful smile were given unconditionally. Her welcoming, happy, “any day I wake up is a good day” outlook and her self-effacing humor never wavered as she faced life with grace and gratitude.
Pat was born in Glens Falls NY to Esther (Dunn) and Frank Depew. She spent part of her early childhood in New Hampshire with family returning to NY during middle school to attend and graduate from Argyle High School in 1946 and SUNY Plattsburgh in1950. She came to Schoharie to teach home economics. Soon thereafter, she met, fell in love with and married Kenneth DeGroff.
Pat paused her teaching career as she and Ken started their family. Once all five children were in school she returned to Schoharie Central and was so dedicated to her students and job that she never missed a day in nearly 20 more years of teaching.
Pat and Ken raised their family on Schoharie Hill where she lived for 64 years. From her home, kitchen and her classroom she blessed this world with her love through practical kindness, homemade specialties and heartfelt letters. Even as a busy working mom of five she never raised her voice, instead perfecting “the look” that would stop any child from whatever behavior she felt needed to be stopped. Though Ken passed away in 2005 she kept their home on the hill, filling it with family celebrations until 2019.
A devout Christian, Pat was active in both the United Presbyterian and Schoharie Reformed Churches. In her nineties she enjoyed living with Becky and Tom in the village and then Ingersoll Place in Schenectady. She returned to Schoharie to reside with family under the care of Community Hospice. As was Pat’s way she “recovered” and no longer required Hospice services. With age comes frailty though and she was eventually readmitted for home hospice through Helios Care. In addition to her family, loving care was also provided by Ardyth, Sandy, Sue, Tina and Val. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at the home of her son Tim and his wife Angela.
Pat’s spirit survives in her five children; Jeffrey (Connie) of Richmondville, Dave (Lori) of New Smyrna Beach FL, Becky (Tom Hitter) of Schoharie, Timothy (Angela) of Schoharie and Kip (Vicki) of Middleburgh, 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandsons, her sister Colleen Towle of Chester NH and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pat’s memory to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, the Schoharie Reformed Church or a charity of your choice. On Sunday, June 7th at 1 PM Pat’s life will be celebrated at the Schoharie Reformed Church 258 Main Street Schoharie NY. The Langan Funeral Home of Schoharie and the Robert A. Guffin Funeral Home of Cobleskill are assisting the DeGroff family. Please visit www.langanfuneralhome.com for further information or to leave a special message for Pat’s family and friends.