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Patricia VanOrman, 71, of Dover, Delaware passed away in the early morning hours of December 24, 2025.
Patricia, known to many as Pat, was born on June 2, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York to Donald and Elizabeth Gerrity. Over the course of her life, Pat held many jobs and titles. Prior to moving to Delaware, she worked for the City of New York. After relocating, she held several positions but spent the majority of her career in Member Services at the YMCA.
When she wasn’t working, Pat devoted herself wholeheartedly to her daughters and their many activities. She was a classroom mom and recess aide, a field-trip chaperone, a Girl Scout troop leader, and a marching band bus parent—just to name a few of the countless ways she showed up for them.
Pat was well known for her many hobbies and passions. She was a lifelong New York Mets and Jets fan and could often be found enthusiastically cheering (and yelling) at the television on football Sundays. Her love for Barry Manilow knew no bounds. She loved traveling to see Broadway shows, but perhaps most of all, Pat was known for her deep love of all things Disney. She was never happier than when planning—and then flawlessly executing—a Disney trip.
Pat is survived by her husband of 47 years, Frank VanOrman; her daughters Melissa and Maureen VanOrman; her sister, Donna Smeltzer (Eric); her nieces, Erica Hemphill (Mike) and Brooklyn Andino; and her nephew Keith Smeltzer (Samantha). She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Elizabeth Gerrity.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934 for those wishing to pay their respects. A private burial will follow. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia "Pat" Ann (Gerrity) VanOrman, please visit our floral store.
