Patricia May Shanley Zelle, HHES 'Library Lady,' Passed Away at 58

BROOKFIELD, CT — Patricia May Shanley Zelle (1957-2016)Patricia "Patty" May Shanley Zelle, 58, of Brookfield, CT beloved wife of Robert Zelle went to heaven on Friday, June 17, 2016 with family members at her side at Columbia-New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City after a long, courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Her spirit and determination throughout her journey amazed everyone she encountered. She provided inspiration and hope to other folks who were battling cancer. Patty was born in Danbury, the daughter of the late Kathleen and John Shanley. A graduate of Brookfield High School, Patty lived most of her life in Brookfield.

She and Bob started their life together in Trumbull where they were both very involved in the Long Hill Volunteer Fire Dept., where she was a Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary. Patty worked at Perkin Elmer (where she met Bob), Union Trust Bank and most recently at Huckleberry Hill Elementary School in Brookfield as a Library and Media Assistant for several years, where she was affectionately known as the "Library Lady."

She will be greatly missed by many friends and students, as her smile and generous personality won the hearts of everyone she met.

She is survived by her husband Bob; daughter Bridget; son Brendan; sisters Maureen Shanley, Mary Shanley Gates (Tim), Elizabeth Shanley Miller (Terry), Eileen Shanley Trnka (Ed), brother-in-law Jay Koch; sisters-in-law Kathleen Zelle Duke (Michael), Eileen Zelle DeVore (Stephen) and Patricia Ann Zelle as well as several nieces, nephews and one grand nephew.In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother John Shanley and sister Kathleen Shanley Koch.

A memorial Mass for Patty will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys RC Church, 138 Candlewood Lake Rd., Brookfield, CT.

A celebration of life event will be held sometime in the future.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope Lodge in New York City. The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge offers lodging at no cost for cancer patients undergoing treatment in Manhattan.

This is where Patty stayed during her bone marrow transplant recovery, to remain close to her doctors.https://donate.cancer.org/index?campaign=hl08nyny.