Patricia Renee Stefanoff

“Pat S.” passed away peacefully at the age of 75 at the Richfield Care Center on November 12, 2022. Pat was born on June 7, 1947 to Steve & Eileen Stefanoff in Murray UT. She spent her childhood years on the family farm chasing chickens and making mud pies.

She attended Judge Memorial during her grade school years, and then went on to graduate from Jordan High School. After school, Pat was eager to start her independent living. She first moved into a room at the Schneider residence where she found her love of dogs and animals. She finally claimed sole independence by moving into her own apartment in South Salt Lake a few years later.

Pat spent her adult life learning more skills joining Columbus Community Center and then later working with the Work Activity Center. They assisted her in finding employment at several hotels performing housekeeping and laundry services. One of the first things Pat accomplished on her own, was maneuvering through the UTA bus system. No matter where you were going, she could tell you what bus to take and what time it would arrive.

Despite Pat’s disabilities, she overcame many challenges and was able to live a fulfilling life. She became an advocate of the Peoples First Group, which is a voice for special needs citizens. She attended many national conferences and sat on the board of council for the Disabled Disability Development Council. Pat was also a member and held the seat of Secretary for ARC of Utah in the Salt Lake division, a national organization for people with disabilities. After twenty-two years at the Work Activity Center, she was ready to retire and moved into the Richfield Care Center, where she again met many new friends and enjoyed daily activities.

Pat loved to bowl and belonged to the Work Activity Bowling League, where she threw many strikes! She even competed in the Utah Special Olympics and achieved a bronze medal in the Walk/Jog category. Pat enjoyed traveling with her mother on cruises and sightseeing many places. Pat had a great love for everyone she met, especially police officers. This love for people inspired Pat to create personalized greeting cards, which were always genuine and from the heart. She had a wild passion for all animals, which she called her “Babies”.

Pat is survived by her siblings, Dennis (Susan) Stefanoff, Diane Pritzkau, Jan Hembury, many nieces and nephews, and aunt Maxine (Bob) Hughes. Preceded in death by her parents, aunts & uncles, cousin, and brother in-law.

A viewing will be held in her honor Friday, November 18, 2022 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street, Midvale, UT. Graveside services will follow at West Jordan Cemetery, 7925 South 1300 West, West Jordan, UT.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Work Activity Center, along with the nurses and staff at the Richfield Care Center, for their compassion and care of our sister Pat.