Patricia Brockman
August 20, 1938 – June 16, 2025
We celebrate the remarkable life of Patricia “Pat” (nee Sarich) Brockman, devoted wife, nurturing mother, and Grandmother, loyal sister and friend, who passed peacefully at the Hospice at Glengarda in Saskatoon on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the age of 86.
Patricia, Pat, Patti, was a woman whose strength, valour, and devotion left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was a true trailblazer for women of her generation, bravely forging her path with vision, guided by her faith. A gifted master of domestic arts, an inspiring educator, and a tireless champion for her community, she gave of herself fully and without hesitation. Pat was the embodiment of elegant individuality in her passions, projects, home décor and fashion—an aesthetic that was tasteful, subtle, and of high quality with an artistic flair that was unmistakably “Pat.”
Pat’s pragmatism, dedication to family, commitment to education and openness to creativity were solidified in her formative years. She was born on August 20, 1938, to Steve and Anne (nee Tomlenovich) Sarich in the family farmhouse near Bladworth, Saskatchewan. Her Baka (Grandmother) was the first of many empowered women who influenced her and the midwife at her birth. Life on the farm, which began in the closing years of the Great Depression, shaped her resourceful character. Her parent’s commitment to post-secondary education set her scholarly path. Her close-knit siblings and regular extended family gatherings forged her enduring allegiance to family. Playdates with cousins brought elaborate dress-up and theatre productions. The Heintzmen piano in her childhood home allowed her to discover her innovative musical ear.
Pat attended Briggs School through Grade 10, travelling by horse and buggy each day with her sister, Fran, at the reins. Pat was the only student in her grade at the one-room school, so she often spent time helping other children, which sparked her interest in becoming a teacher. She completed Grades 11 and 12 at Sion Academy boarding school in Saskatoon and continued her post-secondary study at the Saskatchewan Teacher’s College.
Pat began her first teaching assignment at Sacred Heart Separate School in Watson. She moved to St. Augustine School in Humboldt, where she taught grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 for six years. She switched to Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI), where she taught high school English and Home Economics for two years.
With the arrival of her first child (Jason), Pat paused teaching and continued to study while raising her children. She completed a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1976. Once her third child (Camille) started school, Pat returned to HCI as a substitute teacher. When Camille left home to begin her post-secondary studies, Pat returned to full-time teaching at Carlton Trail Regional College, where she taught English and Social Studies and remained there until her retirement. Pat’s persistence in sustaining her education and returning to teaching was encouraged and fully supported by her beloved husband, Arnie.
Sometimes, the greatest gifts occur from misfortune. Pat’s first-year teaching assignment in Watson was a challenge—her class assignment changed at the last minute, and her planned accommodation unexpectedly fell through, leaving her to secure less than desireable new living quarters. She welcomed the weekend invitations from Bertha and Dan Pavelick (distant cousins who had children the same age) to join them in Humboldt. Because of this family connection, two farm kids fittingly met in a canola field. The attraction between Pat and Arnie was immediate. Their relationship grew during these weekend visits, and the rest was history. Patricia Sarich and Arnold Brockman married on July 16, 1960, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Kenaston, Saskatchewan. They had three children: Jason (Jay), Janelle (deceased), and Camille.
Pat was eager to have children. When Jay arrived, she immersed herself in domestic life while continuing to pursue her degree. During this time, Pat mastered the domestic arts. She was renowned in town for her culinary skill and hosted numerous wedding showers, baby showers, holiday parties, and Waldsea Lake cabin gatherings. Coffee at the Brockmans was always served with her perfectly prepared delights — homemade buns, cinnamon rolls, seasonal pies, and specialty items from the deep freeze. Pat’s talent extended beyond the kitchen to her handwork in sewing, knitting, crocheting and upholstery projects. She spent countless hours in the garden planting and harvesting to preserve food for the winter. She thwarted fears to try new things, including swimming lessons, cross-country, downhill and water skiing and even took flying lessons.
Amidst all the at-home activities, Pat was continuously active in the community. She was an active member of the Jaycettes, a lector at St. Augustine parish for decades, and was on the executive board of Jay and Camille’s clubs. She served on the Waldsea Lake Board, the founding board of the Humboldt Uniplex, and Co-Chaired the Humboldt History Book, Centennial Edition. Pat remained active in her later years, regularly playing golf in the summer, curling in the winter and playing bridge all year round. Throughout it all, Pat found solace in her piano. She played by ear, guided by lead sheets and an accomplished skill in improvisation.
In her final four years, Pat slowly lost her ability to speak. However, during this time, she listened intently. Together, we learned to recognize her non-verbal cues and developed a new way to communicate. For those who encountered Pat during this time, she greeted everyone with a smile and bright eyes. If she were particularly fond of you, she would reach to cup your face in her hand. If you were of “her people,” she’d reach out for an embrace. Until the exhale of her last breath, she’d grasp a hand to hold tight the bond of family, loyal friend and loved one that she held dear. She loved fully, deeply, and in her own way. Her humble and pure expressions of love in her final days are moments we cherish.
Pat is survived by her two children: Jay (Rachelle) Brockman and children Elizabeth and Maria of Saskatoon and Camille (Lorne) Jensen and daughter Sappho of Calgary; two sisters and one brother: Fran Harkness of St. Albert, Alberta, Chris Sarich of Saskatoon, Marilyn (Fred) Resler of Peachland; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Arnie, her parents Steve and Anne (nee Tomlenovich) Sarich, sister Margie and her husband Tony Feist; brother Bud and his wife Myrna Sarich; brother-in-law Stan Harkness, sister-in-law Diane Sarich and infant daughter, Janelle Brockman.
A Funeral Mass was offered on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church in Humboldt, celebrated by Fr. Colin Roy. Interment followed in the St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations in Patricia’s memory can be made to the Humboldt District Hhealth Foundation. Online condolences can be left at md-funeralhome.ca under the Patricia Brockman guest book.
This notice placed courtesy of
Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home & Crematorium
Phone: 682-1622