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Patricia Colenback Obituary
She was born Dec. 10, 1931, the only child of Dorothy Nielson Riley and Harry Winslow Riley.
She grew up in New Jersey and attended the Dwight School for Girls. Pat attended Smith College and then finished her undergraduate at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Pat received two master's degrees, one from Yale University and the second from the Episcopal Divinity School.
Pat was a lover of reading and knowledge. She enjoyed a robust career in public health, and then at 60, was ordained as an Episcopal priest. In both vocations she was able to bring her passion for helping others to a wide array of those in need.
The only thing that she treasured more than a good book was her dear friends and family. She invited countless people into her home and life throughout the years, all who have fond memories of Pat sharing ideas, contemplating philosophy, promoting feminism and equality, comparing mysteries and a ruckus sing a long around the piano to name a few.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents and her second husband Don Fredrick Colenback of Toledo, Ohio.
She is survived by her four children, Richard Breed and wife Jacqui, Amy Breed, John Colenback and wife Danielle and Jared Colenback and wife Meg and seven grandchildren, Jessica, Erin, Samuel, Scott, Gabriel, Veronica and Robert who will dearly miss her.
A service will be held for Pat on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. at Church of Our Savior in Somerset. There will be a celebration of Pat's life reception to follow the service. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Life Care of Holyoke VNA, 113 Hansen St., Holyoke, MA or at holyokevna.org.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Colenback
4 Entries
Gill Truslow
February 23, 2013
I am so sorry that the Colenback/Riley family has lost such a beautiful, bright person. Although I did not know her as well as my brothers, I have such fond memories of time with her and Don. The love and light she emanated must have touched many lives.
Ann Reeves
February 20, 2013
My deepest love to all of Pat's family - especially Richard, Amy, John, and Jared, and their children. I loved Pat Colenback, who was a mentor and a friend for over 50 years. Intellectually curious, a diehard feminist, and yet a champion of traditional women's roles of homemaking, birthing, parenting, Pat might be caught cooking with one hand on the bread dough and another holding a book on feminist spirituality.
Stephen Truslow
February 18, 2013
I lived with Don and Pat for a few months in 1970 in their basement while Don was teaching at ETS in Cambridge. I only have fond memories of intense discussions about life with Pat. She was such a welcoming and inquisitive person willing to talk about anything.
We'll miss you Pat!
In loving Remembrance,
Stephen Truslow
Bob Janet
February 17, 2013
We will miss Pat in our family. With sympathy and love. Bob and Janet
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