Phyllis Pakenham Obituary

Phyllis Mavis Pakenham, 82, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2008 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born June 4, 1925 in Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late John and Edith Murray. Mavis was a devoted wife who traveled the world with her husband, while he was in the Air Force. She was an incredible woman who had lived a fairytale life. Mavis was one of the last contracted dancers for Paramount Studio, having been a dance partner for both Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Mavis settled down with her husband in the Colorado Springs area in 1968. Mavis was an astute business woman and World Class Ballet and Tap Dance Instructor. She was a very caring and loving person. She was the owner and director of the Colorado Springs Ballet Academy for 36 years. Through the years, Mrs. Pakenham has touched the lives of hundreds of students, instilling, self confidence, self discipline and the love of dance. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel Thomas F. Pakenham, a son, Michael Pakenham, one brother, Jack Murray, and a sister Doreen Robbins. Mavis is survived by her son, Tom (Debbie) Pakenham, a sister, Heather Putnam, a niece, Heather Badgett, two nephews John Putnam and Brian Putnam, numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews and her good friend and associate, Anna Weslin. Visitation will be from 4:00PM until 7:00PM with a Rosary at 6:00PM on Tuesday March 4, 2008 at Blunt Mortuary Chapel, 2229 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday March 5, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2030 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904. Interment will follow at 2:00PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.