Patricia Hipsher

Patricia Mary Virnich Hipsher, born October 5, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, lived a life filled with love, learning, and adventure; she passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025 in Westminster, CO. She attended Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade in Skokie, IL before earning a B.A. in Information Technology from Clark College and a Master's in Library Science from the University of Colorado. She lived in Colorado for nearly 50 years and she always maintained a deep love for the mountains.

Pat's career was marked by a profound commitment to education and service, cultivated in large part by her life as a devout Catholic. She began her professional journey working at a food testing lab for American Minerals and Chemicals, followed by nine years as a home economist for the Public Service Company of Colorado. However, her true calling was in libraries, where she spent her most fulfilling years helping students and adults discover knowledge and community through her roles at Fairview High School, the Louisville Public Library, and local recreation centers.

Beyond her professional life, Pat was a master gardener and an active and dedicated member of her community. She was active with the Louisville Garden Club, Colorado Home Economists, Meals on Wheels, and Retired Colorado Librarians. She believed in giving back and found joy in nurturing both people and plants.

Pat's greatest source of pride and joy was her family. She shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Woodrow (Woody). She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Amanda Fox and husband Aaron, as well as her son, Luke Hipsher and wife Shannon. Pat's legacy lives on in her cherished grandchildren-Avenly, Finn, and Hadley-who brought her endless happiness. She is lovingly remembered by siblings Dan Virnich and Tina Rifkin, and many other loved ones whose lives she touched. Preceding family members are her mother Mary (Mame) Virnich, father Eugene (Gene) Virnich and brother Tom Virnich.

A true adventurer at heart, Pat traveled to over 25 countries, often through home exchanges that allowed her to experience the world in a deeply personal way. Her curiosity, kindness, and love of exploration left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Pat's warmth, wisdom, and unwavering generosity will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who were blessed to know her. Her legacy lives on in the many people she inspired, the communities she enriched, and the family who loved her dearly.

A funeral memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Boulder, CO on March 28, 2025 at 11am, repast to take place at Sacred Heart of Mary at 12:15pm. Remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (Alzheimer's Foundation of America- https://alzfdn.org/donate/) or to the American Library Association (Donate to ALA -https://ec.ala.org/donate ) for retired librarians, honoring her lifelong passion for learning and service.