Patricia "Pat" Anne Murray

Patricia "Pat" Anne Murray passed away peacefully at her home in Sedalia, CO, on March 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her children. Her infectious laughter and legendary sense of humor—traits that touched the lives of everyone she met—will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Early Life & Service

Born in Chicago, IL, on October 26, 1935, to Thomas J. Murray and Eloise Grigas, Pat was a woman of spirit and independence from the start. In 1955, prior to starting her family, she proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves (9th Regiment) in Chicago. Trained as a switchboard operator, Pat often joked that Lily Tomlin’s famous character Ernestine (“one ringy-dingy!”) had nothing on her.

A Life of Art and Adventure

Pat moved to Colorado in 1968 and embraced the Rocky Mountains as her true home. She lived in Lyons, Jamestown, Berthoud, Boulder, and Fort Collins before spending her final seven years in Sedalia. A lifelong learner, Pat attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where she earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master’s in Textiles. She became an accomplished professional artist, known for her intricate creations in fiber and mixed media.

Passion and Advocacy

Beyond her art, Pat was a woman of deep convictions. A "Friend of Bill’s" for 48 years, she was dedicated to helping others with her knowledge, warmth, wisdom, and compassion. Her eclectic taste in music ranged from The Beatles and The Monkees to Muse and Stevie Ray Vaughan. She even shared this passion with the community as a DJ for CSU’s KUNC radio station.

A fierce advocate for animals, Pat spent her life nurturing countless cats and dogs. She was particularly devoted to the preservation of wolves, working tirelessly to petition for their reintroduction into the Colorado wilderness.

Family

Pat is survived by her sister, Joanne Grigas of Fairfield, IA, and nephew, Scott Grigas, of South Korea. She leaves behind her four children: Jill A. Mustoffa (Wheat Ridge, CO), Julie B. Mustoffa (Lakewood, CO), Jennifer L. (Tom) Shockcor (Sedalia, CO), and Uldis M. Heyl (Englewood, CO). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren—Dietrich (Lauren) Shockcor, Roland (Gracie) Shockcor, Jacob Meggitt, and Alex Meggitt—and her four great-grandchildren: Odin Meggitt, Sterling Meggitt, Olivia Meggitt, and Holton Shockcor.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on June 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at 1819 Macom Drive, Sedalia, CO 80135.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family requests that donations be made in Pat’s honor to the W.O.L.F. Sanctuary or Mission: Wolf.