Patricia E. Sacco

Patricia Ellen Sacco, 79, of Lodi, New York, the daughter of the late Robert Basil and Muriel May Howsam, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026.Born on January 5, 1947, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Patty lived a life filled with compassion, dedication, and love for both people and animals.

Patty was a widely respected Pekingese breeder, accomplished dog groomer and dedicated dog show exhibitor. She was a member of several kennel clubs and helped lead and coordinate the Wine Country Circuit Dog Show at Sampson State Park for 35 years. To this day, remains the largest outdoor dog show in the northeastern US. Through the dogs she cared for at Woodland Shores Kennel and her many years in the dog show community, Patty earned the trust and friendship of countless fellow dog lovers, breeders and handlers, many of whom became lifelong friends. Her dogs were more than companions; they were her family, and she took great pride in raising, grooming and showing. The legacy of the dogs she raised and loved, lives on through those who continue to cherish them.

Outside of her love for her dogs, Patty found joy in gardening, photography, and taking drives in her Mini Cooper. In the early 1980s, she and her husband, Gene, together with her parents, built a log cabin on the shores of Seneca Lake that she would proudly call home for the rest of her life. While enjoying the tranquility of life on the lake, she maintained friendships around the globe through her many email pals and enjoyed working at a local winery.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Eugene Robert Sacco, and her brother William Alan Howsam. Patty is survived by her daughter, Sharon (John) Franke of Barker, NY, her brother, Robert Gary Howsam of Grapevine, TX, and her sister, Marilyn Howsam Babcock of State College, PA, along with her cherished grandchildren & great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She also leaves behind the many dear friends she made through the dog community.

In accordance with Patty’s wishes, there will be no public services. Her family will honor and remember her privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Patty’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association .