Patricia Kuchta

Captain Patricia “Pat” Kuchta, 81, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Highline Memory Care in Colorado.

Born on July 11, 1944, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Joseph and Mary Kuchta, Pat was the second youngest of 5 children. She would often reflect on her childhood sharing stories of growing up in a large, competitive, and loving family.

Pat's early life was dedicated to her education. She graduated from Pope Pius XII High School and worked every summer at Camp Hope to earn money so she could attend Rutgers University, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Education. While working as a teacher, she obtained her Master's in Education from Lesley College in 1984, and then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1994.

Pat began her career teaching mathematics at Pope Pius XII where she stayed for three years. Once she had enough money, she jumped into her Mustang, drove to Colorado, and never looked back.

Pat eventually settled in Lakewood, Colorado, where she bought a townhome in 1982 and lived with her beloved roommate Rosie for several years. She loved living near Kendrick Lake Park where she spent time enjoying nature in her own backyard. After retiring, Pat proudly served as the President of her HOA for over 10 years. She had many loving friendships in her community.

Pat dedicated her life to serving others. She began her career as a teacher in Colorado with Denver Public Schools, working at Kepner Junior High, Lincoln High, and West High. Later, she transitioned into nursing and retired as a school nurse at Gilpin Elementary, where she devoted herself to supporting underserved children and their families.

Beyond her professional life, Pat gave generously of her time as a volunteer with the Special Olympics, the 9News Health Fair, and the Lakewood Recreation Centers. She also tutored math students and mentored her friend, Penny, embodying her lifelong commitment to helping others.

In order to supplement her income and serve her country, Pat joined the Army Reserves where she served from 1977-2004 reaching the rank of Captain. The Army Reserves allowed her to travel all over the world. Pat served our country in the first Iraq War, completing a tour as an Army Medic in the United Arab Emirates. This was a life altering experience that she was deeply proud of, and she is recognized for her service in the Women in Military Service Memorial in Washington D.C.

Enthusiastic, feisty, opinionated, and fun-loving, Pat was, above all, an adventurer. She loved the outdoors, traveling, being active, and helping others be active. She played tennis and softball at Rutgers University, earned her private pilot's license (and owned two airplanes), climbed a 14er, ran a marathon, spent hours at the rec center’s playing wallyball, and leading exercise classes. Pat was a passionate advocate for women in sports in addition to being a Broncos, NY Giants, Rockies, and Yankees fan. Her greatest joy was skiing. She loved the Rocky Mountains, owned two ski condos, and skied for nearly 60 seasons. Pat and her family went on a trip of a lifetime visiting 6 European countries and meeting her second cousins and their families in Slovakia. In her later years, Pat traveled to Easter Island, Patagonia, and took a River Cruise stretching from Paris to Normandy with her close friends.

Pat loved Disney movies, Disney music, John Denver, and John Phillip Sousa Marches. She loved Warner Brothers characters and cartoons, especially Daffy Duck, and collected garden gnomes. She enjoyed ice cream, fine dining, and a good Graham Cracker Porter.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary, and her sister Jane. She is survived by her sister Mary, her brothers Bernard and James, and her ski and adventure buddy Pat. Her nieces, Mary Sue, Brenda, Amanda, and Kelly, her nephews, Ken and Mark, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins. In addition to all of her military buddies.

Pat's legacy lives on in the hearts of her loved ones, the spirit of her community, and the powerful impact she made on all who knew her. She was and always will be deeply loved.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Logan Cemetery located at 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236. The service is open to all friends, family, and anyone whose life she touched. There will be a gathering following the service at the VFW Post 9644 located at 2680 W Hampden Ave, Sheridan, CO 80110 from 11:30-2:30.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Special Olympics Colorado or a charity of your choice.