Patty Jean Masunaga-Goto died peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024 in her home in Westminster, surrounded by family, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Patty was born on November 23, 1955, the youngest of three girls born to Jess and Mary Masunaga. Patty grew up in Hazeltine Heights, CO. She attended Brighton High School where she was a cheerleader, sang in the choir, served on the student council, and participated in the foreign language club.

After high school, Patty attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where she studied to become an elementary school educator with an emphasis in Spanish and Humanities. As an undergrad, Patty studied abroad in Jalapa, Veracruz, and went on many adventures through Mexico. After receiving her bachelor's degree, she got her Masters in Reading from the University of Colorado in 1987.

Patty was a passionate and dedicated teacher and worked at various elementary schools around Brighton and Jefferson County School District, including South, Sheridan Green, Juchem, Betty Adams, and Peck. She ended her career teaching first grade at West Woods Elementary School. Early in her career, Patty did a Fulbright teacher exchange in England, spending a year teaching in South Hampton. She took advantage of her time teaching abroad and traveled across Europe.

After returning from Europe, she and Danny began dating, and they married in 1992. They welcomed their daughter Allyson in 1996.

Patty retired in 2007 after 30 years of teaching to spend more time with Allyson and Danny. She continued her passion for helping students by subbing and tutoring. When not subbing or tutoring, she enjoyed family trips, watching Allyson play sports, and dining with friends.

A lover of traveling, hiking, camping, ice cream, and spending time with family and friends. Patty will be remembered for her genuine kindness, thoughtfulness, and quiet strength. She was a loving teacher, friend, sister, wife, and mother. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Patty is reunited in death with her husband Dan and is survived by daughter Allyson, two sisters, JoAnn (Gordon), Sharon (Jim), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2023 at 10:00 am at Simpson United Methodist Church, 6001 Wolff St, Arvada, CO 80003 with a reception to follow.