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Patricia Jean Vaeth Croke

Patricia Croke Obituary

Patricia Jean Vaeth Croke passed away on June 8, 2006 at her home surrounded by her family and friends. Her daughter Valerie Croke Schoenherr, her son-in-law Dean and granddaughter Allison of Colorado Springs and her sons and their families; Joseph V. Croke and Kathleen McJoynt of Rico, CO, Kevin and Marla Croke of Telluride, CO, Patrick and Jolie Croke of New Orleans, LA and Stephen and Bridget Croke of Vail, CO were with her at home when Pat joined her late husband Dr. Autrey R. Croke, who preceded her in death. Pat is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Tyler Croke, Erin Croke, Tegan Croke, Trevor Croke, Sheamus Croke, Allison Schoenherr, Morgan Croke. Patricia was born on September 4, 1926 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Joseph Maurice Vaeth and Marie McShea Vaeth. She attended Cheyenne Mountain School where she was an original member of the traveling high school dance group, headed by Dr. Lloyd Shaw. Her brothers Jerome Vaeth, John (Jack) Vaeth and Ronald Vaeth, preceded her in death. Pat began figure skating on local ponds in the Broadmoor area as a child and developed this talent into a career as an amateur figure skater. Her figure skating career culminated in her medaling at the several North American Figure Skating Championships. Pat was a silver medalist in the 1941 championships, won gold and bronze medals in pairs with her partner Jack Might, and was on the U.S. World Figure Skating team. Pat christened the Broadmoor World Arena and Penrose Stadium for Julie and Spencer Penrose, with whom she had a special relationship. Pat attended Saint Mary of the Woods College in Southern Indiana. While at St. Mary's, graduating with a B.S. in music. She created the Pat Vaeth Show, a musical variety television show, in which she played the harp. She continued with the harp, playing in the Colorado Springs Symphony, taught privately and was the harp instructor at The Colorado College. In her later years Pat developed a dedication to playing for children and her church. Pat played until shortly before her death at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Colorado Springs. Patricia was also an avid and tenacious tennis player. She and her doubles partners captured wins in local and national events. She continued to play and defeat opponents until shortly before her death. The late Patricia endeared all and will be missed by her friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc. of Mtn View, CA, the American Cancer Society or the Pikes Peak Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Thurs, June 15th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 3:00 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 14, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Croke

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6 Entries

Joette Watson

June 27, 2006

Val, Dean and Allison: I am so sorry for you and your family. The loss of a mother is felt so deeply. Hopefully, everyone's memories of her will carry you through. With Love, Joette and Richard Watson

Debbie Might

June 26, 2006

My dad always spoke fondly of their days competing and being on the World Team together. I had a nice long conversation with her in February when she called after my mother pased away. She still remembered all the good times they all had together around skating. Of course, I remember her playing the harp for us at school as kids and seeing her around the neighborhood all my life. Condolences from Donnie and myself to all of you.

Musette Grage

June 21, 2006

To the Croke Family,



I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's death. My heart goes out to all of you, and my prayers are with you. I have great memories of your Mom from my growing up years, and always remember her zest for life.

Jeri and Joseph Schuenight and Chumbley

June 16, 2006

Thank you to the entire family for your hospitality toward Jeri and I during and after the service. I wish Pat all the happiness that God can give her. And I appreciate your families love toward us "outsiders" who also loved Pat and the Irish in her.

C. Barsotti Odlin

June 16, 2006

Sincere condolences from a neighbor of long ago.

Joe Faricy

June 15, 2006

We were saddened to hear of



your mothers passing. Please know



our thoughts and prayers are with



you. Joe & Billie Faricy

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