Phyllis Pakenham Obituary

I know I am a little late in sharing my condolences. Mavis was unforgettable in all the best ways... gracious, beautiful, generous, and she was the most amazing person and teacher. She treated me like family. I danced with Mavis while I was in high school in Security, Colorado Springs, and when she taught classes in Monument CO. She took me with her to a Cecchetti class and exam in New Mexico and l learned so much from her. She also helped me put together an audition video for a college scholarship. She inspired me and many others to do our very best and genuinely cared for us. I was telling a student a story about Mavis this evening which prompted me to look her up.

I just loved reading all the comments. It felt like coming home where kindred spirits meet. I, like so many, was touched and changed by Mavis. I had come from Denver and was attending the Denver International Ballet School. I was 8. My instructor told my mom about Mavis and that if I wanted to be a great dancer, that I had to try out for her class. In 1985 we moved to Colorado Springs and I tried out for Mavis' school. She yelled at me a lot and one of the girls in the class went running out of the room crying. I remember thinking to myself, "hold it together cortney", do not cry!!! I walked out of the audition depleted and gave my mom the "I didn't get it" look. To my surprise, she loved me and thought I was wonderful! I took every ballet class she gave from beginners to advanced and her famous Saturday class. My ballet dream ended when I was young but it is my first love. Recently, I decided to go back to it after all these years. It is how I found this obituary. She prepared me for so many things in my life. It is unbelievable to me, the impact she had on me and so many others. I loved her dearly.

My name is Lisa Taylor, I was in Mrs. Packinghams ballet class in 1973 in Security, CO. I had some of my happiest times in her classes! I will miss her. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND YOUR FAMLY

First, let me say to Anna and Mavis's family, I wish you my deepest condolences. I remember coming home from various places I lived and wondering if I should visit the dance studio that I, along with so many others, grew up. I don't know why I stayed away. Apprehension, I believe. I guess I wanted so much to return and visit Mavis with something important that I had accomplished. Mavis was such an integral part of my childhood, my life, and my love of dance. In February 2008, I finally found my calling, or it found me as I gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl. She will soon be three and I am so excited to put her in a tutu and share my love of dance with her. The same love of dance that Mavis helped to instill in me. Mavis's studio was a special place; it united all of us who danced, sweated, and cried as we wrapped our blistered feet. Regardless of how different are personalities were, where we came from, or our goals, we found a sense of sisterhood and comadarie that will last for a life time. I hope my daughter can find a special place in her life like the dance studio was for me. I was sad to hear that world lost Mavis. She was larger than life. She taught me discipline, technique, and, most of all, courage.

To know Mavis was to know joy and love. Not only in dance, but in life. She instilled values into each little girl and boy whose lives she touched whether they grew up to become dancers or not. How many words could describe her - tap, ballet, love, hugs, a cup of tea, orchids, mother, grandmother, wife to "her Tom", sister, friend, teacher, and the list goes on. . . What a happy memory I hold in my heart. Forever. . .

I have put off signing this guestbook because for the longest time I never knew what to say... I still don't think I'll ever be able to adequately express how much Mavis touched my life and shaped me into the person that I am now.

Every time I see an Orchid I think of Mavis, and every time I see French-fries from Wendy’s I remember sitting with Mavis one afternoon and sharing French-fries with her… Wendy’s French-fries were her favorite French-fries.

Mavis taught me more than ballet and tap dancing; she taught me life lessons that will never leave me. She was my first true role model and a person that I adored as well as respected. In so many ways she was like a substitute grandmother to me, and her memory will be with me forever. Looking back at my childhood, so many of my happiest moments took place while I was dancing. She taught me a love of dance that will always be with me; and she will always be with me. I am so happy to have known her, and I am glad that she can now be with her Tom. I will always miss her.

I remember the details, the discipline, the laughter, the home away from home, the self discovery in a safe place, the exasperation of recital time (Come on, we all know what I'm talking about - the perfect ponytail coif completely disheveled, and Mavis constantly flipping it back into place), I remember these things.....but most of all, I remember the love and the passion. I have these memories forever. God bless you Mavis.

Mavis defined for me the meaning of Grace. She was such an example of Beauty and had such a reverence for the spirit in each of us. I am thankful for having met her.

I've only just heard about Mavis' passing in the last couple of weeks. My heart goes out to her family and to Anna, who I know loved her with all of her heart. Mavis was the dance teacher who taught us all to float. She was the teacher we all owe a huge debt of gratitude, for both the life lessons and the dance lessons. I reminisce often of my dancing days, I think of her often.

It's been quite a few months now since my Nana's passing and it's sad that I didn't get to say much more than I wanted. Oh well, I know she's in a better place and she has to be a lot happier now than she ever was on earth. I'm grateful that I was able to have a grandmother like Mavis.

I started my ballet training with Mavis in 1974 when I was 7 years old. I think about Mavis often and about growing up at the studio in Security. I fondly remember grand kicks down the bar to Chuck Mangione and Mavis dancing the hustle with us at the end of every class. I remember my first pair of toe shoes and how wonderful Mavis made all of feel at every recital. Although I stopped training almost 20 years ago, I never stopped dancing. Thanks to Mavis, I will always be a dancer in my heart and soul. My condolences to Mavis' family and friends.

I was just saying in class the other day, "Another day, another plie. That's what my teacher always used to say." I must have had Mavis on my mind for a reason. I only just learned of her passing, and I am so sorry I couldn't attend her service. Mavis was my teacher for many years. I saw her every weeknight for years and years. I'm sure I probably spent more time with her than my family at some points.

Mavis was a wonderful teacher. Being a real lady from another generation, she taught us all grace under pressure and true respect for ourselves and others. She fueled our passion for dance and encouraged us as only she could. She could be stern, but never mean, and I think my work ethic in dance and in life is nearly all because of her. She taught us more than we could ever have known at that time, and I'm sure all her students continue to thrive in life because of her. I will always remember her, in her trousers and blouse, hair in a low ponytail tied with a chiffon bow. What a special lady. She is missed.

Mavis was my daughter's ballet teacher. I only just learned of her recent passing. In fact, I sent her a birthday card on Monday. Even after my daughter went to college I still came to recitals. To Anna, Mavis's family, dancers and friends:
"Only time moves on to the next scene. Memory remains part of the heart forever.

Mavis was an incredible person that I'm so honored to have considered my friend. She was my teacher in ballet and in life as she was there for me in so many capacities. I will miss her always. I love you, Mavis, and I'm so happy you are home with Tom where you belong.

I just learned of Mavis' passing, I wish I had heard sooner. From the time that I started dancing with Mavis at age 9 til I was 17 I spent hours upon hours at her dance studio. She and Anna taught me a love of dance that I will never lose. I will always fondly remember those times and cherish every moment. She was such an amazing woman who touched the lives of many young dancers.

Mavis was my first ballet teacher, I started in her studio when I was 3 years old. She was a wonderful generous lady who gave me the strength to reach for my dreams. I continued to dance professionally for many years, always reaching back to my first leasons with Mavis. She was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed. God Bless her family, you are in all of our thoughts and prayers.

My aunt Mavis was a beautiful and truly remarkable woman. She was always there for me. I can remember how she used to take me to various studios where she was acting and performing, when I was a kid. I can remember Holiday visits with her and Uncle Tom. I am not surprised with how she was loved by her students. I have so many fond memories of Aunt Mavis.

I would like to express my condolences and sincere gratitude to Anna for the way she loved and cared for Aunt Mavis and to my Sister, Heather, for helping Anna arrange such a wonderful send off to her transition. God bless Aunt Mavis. I loved her and she will be truly missed.

Mavis my mom and i will miss you .You were a wonderful teacher and a mentor who was always there.But most importantly you were like family and me and my mom will never forget you.I'll love you always^_^

Dearest Mavis,
Thank you for your love, patience, and the discipline you instilled in me. You helped me find my true purpose in life. Always in my heart.

I will never forget my teacher, Mavis. I will forever be in her debt. She taught me to dance, use my mind and to be respectful. I love her tremendously, but I know that she is with God and Uncle Tom. Dancing Forever in Heaven. Thank you for every opportunity to meet new friends and to experience dance. You are loved and missed.

So I've sat here for a really long time, rewriting this and trying to figure out how to express how Mavis touched my life. The result: there are no words. I feel eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to learn from her. And that's all I can say.

We know how important Mavis was to her family and friends and want you all to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Aunt Mavis was an amazing woman who touched so many lives. She will be missed, but remembered fondly by those who loved her so dearly. She was a class act. My family and I spent many years at her studio. Aunt Mavis was not only my ballet teacher, but also my Godmother. How fortunate we were to have her in our lives. I still remember the hugs and candy at the end of each class. What wonderful memories and experiences I have because of her. She definitely made an impact in our lives. Aunt Mavis was a true gift.....an angel. And now, she is dancing away in heaven with Uncle Tom.

Mrs. Pakenham was my ballet teacher and taught me many lessons on how far I could really go if I applied myself. She has often been in my thoughts, and even though it was quite some time ago, the lessons she taught me are still teaching me today. She showed me how far I can go if I push myself, and I'm so thankful that I had the honor and pleasure to know her and study with her. May God Bless the family at this time of loss. I never imagined that the angels would dance, but now I know they do.

Mavis was my Mother's sister, so that makes me the niece of one of the most wonderful Aunt's in the world. I want to thank you all for your condolences and wonderful tributes to Aunt Mavis into this guest book. Aunt Mavis was such a loving and caring person, and such a gracious lady. and we will all miss her very much. In my growing up years, I have spent many glorious hours in her company and recently we have been in contact by phone. I feel that I was blessed to have her in my life. I also want to thank Anna Weslin for all that she has done for my Aunt.

Aunt Mavis was ball of fire right up to the very end! She was beautiful, charming, and a ton of fun. I felt priveledged to know Mavis.

Mavis touched my life with her magic. She taught me, not only how to dance and teach dance, but she also taught me self-confidence, self-discipline, and professionalism. She taught me that all things were possible. Just believe in yourself. We shared so much in the past 37 yrs. Laughter, joy, sadness and so much more. We were student & teacher, business associates and "mother & daughter" I thank God everyday for blessing me with the companionship of the most incredible woman I have had the pleasure to know.

Mavis lead a life many can only dream of, turning her talents and love of dance into a life-long relation and instilling this love in her students. We were honored to have Mavis and Tom as Godparents and they shared so much with our family. She awakened dreams in our girls that they still carry in their hearts. Thank you for being in our lives.

Mavis was a lovely woman and a wonderful teacher who gave each student a love of all that is beautiful.She took time to see grace in each of her students.

Aunt Mavis was not only my dance teacher for many years, but also my Godmother and played a large roll in my youth. She and Uncle Tom were influential in my life and so very important to our family. We are all better for having had them in our lives.

Well she was Aunt Mavis to me. Even if not by blood but through marraige to her nephew. I did not know Mavis well but the times that i did get to see her were very special and she left a wonderful lasting impression. It was through Mavis that I truly saw a womans grace. She was a lady who demanded respect and I loved her.

Mavis taught my daughter Jillian how to dance and how to dream. Mavis, thank you for being Jill's mentor and friend. We will all think of you often. The Rolston family.

I spent many afternoons and weekends in Aunt Mavis's dance studios. She was a very important and influential person in my family - and she was Godmother to myself and my sisters. Her influence gave us a very special and unique childhood which we all value and appreciate very much. She was a kind and generous woman and she will be missed. I know she is dancing again with Uncle Tom - and smiling on us all.

I am grateful for the lessons in dance and in life I learned from "Aunt" Mavis. A strong, graceful, dignified woman who believed in each child, dancer and person who walked into her studios. "Aunt" Mavis taught us we could become whatever we desired, by working with discipline, commitment and giving it "everything you got"! May we ~dance~ through life remembering Mavis and the lessons she instilled in each one of us.

Not only was she my dance teacher, mentor, and family friend, she was also my Godmother. There is a big emptiness in my heart. But knowing she is with Uncle Tom again, I know she is happy and dancing away. I love you Aunt Mavis.

Mavis was such an amazing lady. She taught me to be proud of my dancing and helped me grow so much. I have this picture of her and Bob Hope hanging in my bed room and I always tink about how facinating she was. she will be missed dearly but the way she touched me and her other students will live on.

Like so many who sign this guest book, Mavis was my ballet teacher. She knew how to push her students to greatness, and was so kind in the process. I hold dear in my mind, memories of Mavis and my time spent with in her ballet class.

I remember that photo in the dance studio! Aunt Mavis was a beautiful, strong, loving, caring woman who nurtured many young dancers. In her studio, I found myself and some of the best friends I'll have. I love you Mavis, thank you.

Studying under Mavis I learned more than just the love of dance - she taught me grace, self-confidence, perseverance, and a sense of peaceful joy and passion for life.

Many, many years ago when Mavis opened her first studio (Falls Church, VA.) I was her first student. She gave me the stars.