Obituary of Patricia Komarow

Patricia Komarow, formerly Patricia Tegler, age 69 years, was born Patty Jo Wells to Patricia Thompson and Howard Wells on 2/15/46 in Manhattan, KS and lived in the Colorado Springs. CO area since 1977.Pat was a beautiful, bright spirit who blessed her friends and family with her boundless capacity for kindness and friendship. In a grand way, she truly embodied the concept of thoughtful friendship, never missing an opportunity to help a friend in need, to send a hand-written note at just the right time, or to hug, cry, or sit quietly nearby as needed. Pat had the gifts of a sharp mind, a warm heart, and the desire to engage fully in life. She overcame adversity and loss in her life that might have embittered or even stopped most of us. But Pat found a way to be an enormous blessing upon her world. Her contributions of love will live long.Pat was a great adventurer, whether skiing, travelling the world, hiking and technical climbing the mountains of Colorado, sitting in silent retreat, or speaking publicly to large groups of people. She came from humble beginnings and yet attained a high level of education as well as a truly life-long love of learning. She was a self-made, independent woman who not only made a beautiful life for herself but also sweetened the lives of friends and family. She simply never entertained the notion of defeat and so created a role model for us all.Pat spent 22 years as a Speech-Language Therapist working with both children and adults in hospitals, rehabilitation settings, public schools, and in private practice. For the sole purpose of joy and at the age of 52, Pat began a new career as a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Kripalu certified Yoga Teacher. She went on to spend 12 years practicing Massage Therapy and 14 years teaching Special Needs Yoga until shortly before she died. She had a deeply intuitive touch and the capacity to become fully present in her work; something that made a massage by Pat a truly healing experience.A Buddhist Dharma teacher in the Theravada tradition, Pat taught for her sangha, Rocky Mountain Insight, for 15 years. She also taught Stress-Reduction Mindfulness Meditation for the YMCA, many other local organizations, and various yoga studios in the community. Pat was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Komarow to whom she was married from 1972-1981. Pat was also married to Robert Tegler, who survives her, from 1989-2007. They were bonded by many things, not the least in having a beloved son, David, who died as an infant in 1990. Pat is also survived by one step-daughter, Tina Skojec and husband Bill and two step grand-daughters, Veronica and Katrina Scarlett. Other significant survivors are Dawn Ferguson of Wichita KS, beloved niece and caregiver of her aunt during her last days and James Ague of Manitou Springs, partner and companion. Lesley Greer, sister and niece Darla Nuzum, both of Wichita KS, also survive Pat.Not surprisingly, Pat has been surrounded in her life by a group of treasured Anam Caras or soul-friends who she felt enriched her life beyond measure. She wanted them to know how grateful she was for their gifts of deep relationships of care and support, laughter and joy, adventure and silliness, and endless noble conversation. The Memorial will be held 2:30PM, Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Benet Pines Retreat Center, 3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs CO just off Hwy 83 in the Black Forest. General phone # is 719-633-0655 for directions. It is Pat's wish to invite you to participate in Walking Meditation of Benet Pine's Labyrinth next to the chapel an hour before or after the service. Memorial Contributions can be made to Rocky Mt. Insight at 2525 W. Pikes Peak Ave. Colorado Springs CO 80904 and Benet Hills Monastery at 3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs CO 80921. Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Saturday, May 21, 2016 2:30PM Benet Pines Retreat Center 3190 Benet Lane Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Phone: 719-633-0655