Patty Underbrink, born March 7, 1962, lived a life defined by determination, kindness, and joy. Born profoundly Deaf, she went to preschool at Dallas Society of Crippled Children and learned sign language at seven. She excelled in mainstream Dallas public schools in honors classes and played basketball throughout high school and college.

Patty graduated from Gallaudet University in 1985 with a degree in Computer Scienceand a minor in Mathematics. That same year, she represented the United States at theDeaf Olympics in Los Angeles, winning a gold medal in basketball—an achievementshe repeated in 1989 in New Zealand.

She spent 35 years as a software engineer at ESystems (later Raytheon), where she was respected for her skill, dedication, and warmth. She taught co-workers sign language and built a community around her. She met Joni at work and they committed to each other in 1989 and were married in 2015. Raytheon took her and Joni toGermany, California and Florida. She ran marathons, played soccer, tennis and
ardently followed sports and worked daily puzzles, which she enjoyed sharing with her family. She attended many of her cousins, great nephew and great niece’s activities. Most Saturday mornings Patty, Joni, her mom and another sister would be found walking at the Dallas Arboretum, where there are many pictures of the group on a special bench by the water. Patty devoted decades to volunteering at Texas Scottish Rite for Children, bringing comfort and laughter to countless children giving respite care to their parents. She also performed annually as Swishy the clown, an elf, and was a joyful presence at events and marathons. After she retired, she expanded weekly
volunteering into logistics delivering supplies all over the hospital. Affectionately known as "Deaf Froggie," she always remembered other’s birthdays and special occasions, signing cards with a colorful frog cartoon.

Patty’s spiritual life was deeply meaningful. She was confirmed at St Thomas Aquinas church and served as an altar girl. She also attended the Cathedral of Hope for many years, contributing to the funding of the interfaith Peace Chapel, and volunteering with the children’s ministry. She and Joni began meditating with the Maria Kannon Zen Center in 2006 and later embraced Vipassana meditation, a practice she continued faithfully until her passing.

Patty was a gift to the universe—gentle, extremely generous, and beloved by all who knew her. She left us on September 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. She never gave up, smiling through all the pain, living life on her own terms. Whenever someone would say sorry to her about her cancer, she would say, "Don't say sorry, I'm still breathing. SMILE!"

She is survived by her loving spouse, Joni Henderson; her mother, Rosemary Underbrink; her sisters, Karen Underbrink, Sr Mary Clare Underbrink, Susie (Michelle) Hess, and Maggie (Graham) van’t Hoff; her brother, Paul (Sally) Underbrink; her nephews, Ian (Marcy) Lyon, Joshua and Benjamin van’t Hoff; nieces Rachel Underbrink, Megan (Kris Zabaloieff) Underbrink, and Rebecca van’t Hoff; great-nephew Cameron Lyon; and great-nieces Emily Lyon and Sabine Zabaloief.

In lieu of flowers or food, in the spirit of giving, Patty wanted you all to know of her favorite charities where commemorative donations can be made in her memory.
- Gallaudet University, Washington DC Giving at Gallaudet | Gallaudet University

- The Deaf Action Center, Dallas Donate – Deaf Action Center (DAC)

Choose “Dedicate This Gift” button to say "in memory of Patty Underbrink"

- Greyhound Adoption League of Texas (GALT) Donations | Greyhound Adoption
League of Texas

- Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. Please scroll down after donor information to designate
the gift as a memorial of Patty Underbrink
https://secure3.convio.net/tsrh/site/Donation2 
 
Patty’s celebration of life will be at Cathedral of Hope on December 12, 2026 at 4:00, which will be interpreted, and include a video participation link for those who would like to attend virtually. Food and fellowship will follow the service.