Patricia Ann Stephenson

Patricia Ann Stephenson (known to her family & friends as Patty) was called home to heaven on March 22, 2019. Her final days were spent in the loving care of her family after complications from diabetes and a stroke.

Patty was born in Cleveland, OH on July 19, 1961, but her family made Colorado their home in 1968. In her 20's, Patty fell in love with the ocean while living in San Diego, CA. Her favorite vacation spot was on the island of Oahu, where she loved the beach and her favorite Hawaiian band, Cecilio & Kapono.

Her early onset of Type 1 Childhood Diabetes was an obstacle that she learned to overcome. With many health challenges facing her future, she tackled them with courage, determination, and a wonderful sense of humor. She received a new lease on life in 2001 with the gift of a kidney and pancreas transplant. Inspired by their top research, and Patty's belief that there will be a cure for diabetes, she has bequeathed some of her estate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Patty treasured her family. She was deeply loved by her surviving brothers and sisters: Mary & (Ron) Bollig, Laura Cornia, Jim & (Judy) Suss, Jeanne Coco, and Paul & (Debbie) Suss. Her 20 nieces and nephews meant the world to her and brought her so much joy. Her 12 grand nieces and nephews brought endless smiles and delight to her life.

Patty loved her friends, and they enriched her life. She enjoyed spending time with them, having meals together, going to the movies, sharing pictures on Facebook, laughing and having fun. She always stayed connected with her friends, making them a priority in her life, no matter how many miles separated them.

Patty's cousins, aunts and uncles were a big part of her life, as well. Gathering together for Bradley Family Reunions every 3 years, from beach towns on the east coast to the Rocky Mountains and in-between, she always knew the importance of continuing to nurture family relationships. Those gatherings brought so much laughter, camaraderie, cherished memories and, most importantly, her love and appreciation for her extended family.

Patty loved to craft and scrapbook - and her passion and talent for it encouraged her sisters, nieces and grand-nieces to participate in the hobby with her. Patty's favorite restaurant was Hacienda Colorado. It became a joke in the family that we didn't even need to ask her where she wanted to go for dinner - all roads led to Hacienda. She even ate there twice in the same day.

Patty will be remembered for her ability to laugh so easily, to find joy and happiness all around her, even when life's circumstances have not always been kind to her. Patty's positive attitude and outlook on life, her perseverance, and her endurance were and continue to be an inspiration to those who knew her and those who loved her - which is her most precious gift.

Services will be as follows:

Rosary on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 @ 7:00pm @ Horan and McConaty, 11150 E. Dartmouth, Aurora, CO 80014.

Funeral Mass on Thursday, March 28, 2019 @ 1:30pm @ Risen Christ Church, 3060 S. Monaco, Denver, CO 80222.

She will be laid to rest next to her parents, Jim and Ann Suss, at Fairmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF):
Https:/tinyurl.com/juvenilediabetesresearchfund

Recitation of the Rosary : March 27, 2019 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - SE Denver/Aurora
11150 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora, CO 80014

Funeral Mass: March 28, 2019 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Risen Christ Catholic Parish
3060 South Monaco Parkway
Denver, CO 80222
303-758-8826