Patricia Gail Perry

Patricia Gail Perry was born on February 8, 1944, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to William (Bill) and Eleanor Stachoske Perry. At the time, her father was serving in Europe with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, and it wasn’t until he returned home after the war in late 1945 that he got to meet his baby girl for the first time.
After the war, the Perry family made their way to the United States, where Bill obtained his Doctorate of Optometry. The family moved around a bit—living in various places throughout the Midwest and along the East Coast—before settling in Aurora, Colorado, in the early 1950s. There, Bill opened his optometry practice, and Pat graduated from Aurora Central High School in 1962.
Throughout her life, Pat held a variety of jobs in the Denver area and spent a short time working in Wray as well. Her longest and most meaningful employment was with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Boulder, where she worked for 27 years in the library as a file clerk and librarian. She took the bus every day from her home in Thornton and took great pride in her work. She also built many lasting friendships during her time there. Before NOAA, she also worked in downtown Denver for Amoco, among other positions.
Pat found joy in many things throughout her life. She was a devoted fan of Denver’s professional sports teams—especially the Colorado Avalanche—and she loved cheering them on from her living room. She was deeply connected to her family and kept up with her nieces’ and nephews’ sports and school activities. Her creative side came out through her crocheting, which she mastered over the years. Many family members still cherish the intricate and lacy doilies and newborn blankets she lovingly made for them.
A proud moment in Pat’s life was when she became a U.S. citizen on Flag Day in June 1988—a milestone she celebrated by registering to vote and never missing a general election.
Pat was always present at family vacations, holidays, and special events. She loved visiting Wray whenever she could and was known for making birthday cakes, wedding and shower mints, and joining in for board games that often lasted late into the evening.
In December of last year, Pat was still living independently at home when her health began to decline. In January, she moved to MorningStar Assisted Living in Lakewood. Though she spent the next few months in and out of the hospital, she remained strong and courageous until her passing at MorningStar on April 17.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Eleanor. She is lovingly remembered by her brothers Wayne, Garry (Toni), Brad (Robin), and her sisters Pam Wingfield (Dean) and Eloise Fonte (Jim). She also leaves behind eight nephews, four nieces, and many great-nieces and great-nephews who will miss her dearly.
A funeral service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held on April 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Schmidt-Jones Funeral Chapel.