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Patty Kryger, 69

Patty Kryger, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away at age 69 on April 9, 2017, at her winter home in Tucson, Ariz., after a three-year battle with cancer. Her courage and spirit until the very end inspired all who knew her. Despite her suffering, Patty remained optimistic and always more interested in those who loved her than her own situation.

Patty was born in Levittown, N.Y., in 1948. Her family moved to Dallas, Texas, two years later. After high school, Patty graduated from the University of Texas. Loving life and adventure, she became a flight attendant and, ultimately, a supervisor with American Airlines where she worked for 31 years. She traveled the world and in the process met and in 1986 married her beloved, pilot husband, Gene.

Patty was creative and artistic. Patty received her ASID certificate for interior design and could transform a simple room into a beautiful creation. Patty also made beautiful jewelry that were treasured by her friends and customers. Her pieces were in demand at the Tucson Museum of Art gift shop.

Patty divided her time between Tucson and her summer home on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Patty’s favorite day was a boat ride on the lake with her dog, Sedona and husband Gene, followed by an evening with friends and a few glasses of wine.

Patty was an active member in PEO in both Tucson and Coeur d’Alene for more than 20 years. She volunteered many hours with Cancer and Community Charities in Idaho. Patty will be greatly missed. Her kindness, caring and sense of humor (and incredible cooking) made her very special to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Patty is preceded in death by her father, Leo and her sister, Barbara. Patty is survived by her husband, Gene; her mother, Martha; her stepdaughters, Janie, Kayla and Jennifer; her nephews, Chris, Cory and Kyle; her nieces, Abbey and Elizabeth; and seven grandchildren, all who loved her dearly.

Patty’s family extends their sincere thanks to hospice, Casa De La Luz, of Tucson, and to all her friends and family for their love and support. She will be missed by all. A quote by Akshay Vasee says it all: “And her heart burst like the stars do in the end, and she fell on her knees. But the whole world looked to her in awe. She lit the whole universe with her fire for a moment. In the end she was as beautiful as that starburst falling from the sky and her heart didn’t ache anymore.”