Obituary of Patricia Anne Brath (nee Lorentz)

To view the livestream of the service, please click here.

Passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side following her courageous journey with cancer.

Survived by her beloved husband William (Bill) of 47 years, her loving children Emilie (Matt) and Peter (Jamie), her precious grandchildren Cameron and Kaylee. Cherished sister to Cathy (Todd), David (Lorraine) and Diane (Dan) and a dear sister-in-law to Veronika, Margarete (Fritz) and Richard (Bayla). Loved by all her nieces and nephews.

Daughter of the late Jessie and Wilbert Lorentz and predeceased by her son, Aaron.

The loving, caring Patti we know will be remembered for her compassionate, nurturing and generous nature. Her big smile and pleasant laugh welcomed and entertained her family and friends. Her love of flowers followed her during every aspect of her life.

Born and raised in Waterloo, Patricia graduated from Waterloo Collegiate Institute in 1974 before working in the bookstore accounting department at the University of Waterloo. She met Bill in 1975 before tying the knot at St. Jerome’s Chapel in 1979.

In addition to being a conscientious homemaker, Patti found her most rewarding occupational role as a crossing guard reaching young students’ hearts while helping her young charges navigate the street safely. Patti volunteered for a number of activities including Chemo Angels and the Parent-Teacher Association. Her social activities were broad over the years including Lakeshore Ladies Group, Aquafit, Pickleball, family, travelling, badminton, camping, TOPS etc. creating lifelong friends wherever she went.

Her children, and later grandchildren, became her pride and passion, interacting with them daily, cheering from the stands and supporting them in their endeavours while providing advice, understanding and love.

The journey over the last several months could not have been completed without the dedication of staff and volunteers at Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Centre, Angie and team of Hospice Waterloo, along with Dr. Yew and the Paramed Palliative Care Team. The spiritual guidance from Father Raphael Ma, C.R., of St. Mary’s RC Church, provided much needed comfort and support.

Cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Parish Prayers at 7:45 p.m. Funeral service to take place in the chapel of the funeral home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow in the funeral home’s Fireside Reception Room. Private family interment to take place at a later date.

A livestream and recording of the funeral service will be available on Patti’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program (via the WRHN Foundation) or St. Mary’s Tiny Home Takeout may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.