Patricia Ann Stem

Surrounded by the comfort of her home, Patricia Ann Stem, fondly known as Pat, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at the age of 89. She will be remembered by all who knew her as one of the kindest souls to walk the earth. Born on July 3, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, Pat is the beloved daughter of Ann and Albert Pujda. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Pujda, and her granddaughter, Grace Stem.

A proud graduate of The Catholic University of America, Patricia earned her degree in biology in 1959 and went on to work in biological research, doing tissue culture work at Children's Hospital in Denver and later at Gynologix. She brought the same curiosity and care to the lab that she brought to everything else in her life, earning her the respect of everyone who worked alongside her. Every job she ever took came with one non-negotiable condition: she had to be off on Tuesdays to play golf.

Pat lived a life defined by kindness, warmth, and boundless love. She shared a remarkable 61-year marriage with her devoted husband, John, whom she wed on November 21, 1964, in Bethesda, Maryland. From that day forward the two of them were a team, building a life together filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

In August 1970, Pat and John moved to Colorado establishing roots that lasted a lifetime. She threw herself into community life, becoming a member of the Willis Case Women's Golf Club in 1971. Decades of play built life-long friendships and the triumph of two holes-in-one. Whether traveling, skiing, bowling, or sitting in the stands for her children or grandchildren's games, she was happiest when active and surrounded by people.

But everyone who knew Pat will tell you her true gift wasn't golf, or bowling, or science; it was people. She had an extraordinary ability to make anyone she met feel special and loved, and that warmth extended to every animal she ever crossed paths with. With a twinkle in her eye, glitter on her outfit, and a heart wide open, her vibrant spirit was impossible to miss.

Patricia is survived by her husband, John; her children, Steve Stem and his wife Kristina, and Tracey Graham and her husband Kyle; and her cherished grandchildren, Sam, Henry, and Gloria Stem, and Serena and Ethan Graham.

In honor of Patricia's deep love for animals, her family kindly asks that donations be made in her memory to the Longmont Humane Society in lieu of flowers.

A service celebrating Patricia's beautiful life will be held on September 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 3791 Pike Rd, Longmont, CO 80503. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance of a woman who filled every room she entered with warmth and laughter.

In the words of her family: "Mom and Dad were a team- we wish everyone could experience a life as rich and fulfilling as theirs." Pat's love and kindness will remain forever in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.