November 1, 1929 – January 10, 2026
Patricia “Patty” DeFries Conger, 96, passed away peacefully on Jan. 10, surrounded by her loving children. Born on Nov. 1, 1929, in Oak Park, Illinois, Patty was a cherished daughter of Dorothy and John Webb and sister to George Webb and Julie Peralez, all of whom preceded her in death. Always a loving family, they instilled in her an appreciation for kindness and laughter, as well as a passion for the great outdoors.
After attending Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where she met her first husband, Jerry DeFries, Patty continued her studies to become a physical therapist. Together with Jerry, she built a life in Loveland, Colorado, and later Aspen, where they raised four children, Karen Salamida, Kathie, Kim and Michael DeFries — while building a family life full of adventure. In Aspen, Patty and Jerry, known for their many endeavors, took ownership of The Peppermint Tree, a beloved candy shop where she and Jerry crafted specialties such as divinity, fudge and English toffee — the latter she continued making all her life.
After a divorce and a move to Glenwood Springs in 1978, Patty purchased and operated the Vapor Caves which she owned for 12 years. She was later reacquainted with and married Robert Conger, a man who had known her and Jerry back in Loveland when they were all young parents. They shared 20 happy years together in Denver and Marble, until Bob’s passing in 2011.
Patty found joy in the outdoors, gardening and her daily walks. She lived to welcome her first great grandson, Miles, on Oct. 28, 2025. She will be remembered for her generosity, gentle humor and unconditional love for her family whom she adored.
Her face always lit up at the sight of her children and her grandchildren, Shaun and Terra. Patty’s remains will be scattered this summer at the family cabin near Estes Park, surrounded by those she cherished and loved. “If there was ever a wisp of an angel’s wings across our hearts, it was the love of our mothers.”