Deborah Colky Obituary

Every July 22nd I search Your name and toast your accomplishments- Author,Doctor,Director,Actor,Cub Fan-one mistake isn't so bad.
Other than the brief alumni notes did I ever connect no. Why too busy, to tired, too rushed, too much work,too much nothing.
But aren't the doesn't free on weekends and doesn't RU have e-mail?
I foolishly believed in tomorrow.
The reunion will not come.
The stories will not be heard.
The laughter will be silent.

Seven Years my best friend.

You helped me grow:
From a dorky geeky nerd to GQ wannabe,
From WLS to the opera,
From the Tree stooges- There's nothing wrong with the Stooges!

You helped me become a whole person.
You helped me become honest.
You helped me believe in what's right.
You helped me admit when I was wrong.

Some times we were from different universes and some timed we shared the same breath.

You were kind and civil on my cruelest day.

I was content in your happiness and success.
I am so sad for your Husband.

I am so Sad.

Until next July...

O yes I'm now officially older than you and that stinks too!

Mike --- I am so very sad to hear of Debbie's passing. To lose someone so special, so young, is just tragic. I will always remember her sparkle and good humor as she brought truly "professional" professional development to Society of Professional Journalists many years ago. And what a joy she was to work with. My thoughts are with you. I'm sorry we couldn't be at the funeral; we've had lots of loss this year too. My husband's only two siblings died prematurely, within three weeks of each other, in November and we were out of town closing up his brother's condo. Please know that my heart goes out to you. Vivian

Mike,
I have just heard of about Deb and am stunned. She was a such a great mentor while I was studying for my master's and always ready to help once I'd graduated. When someone like Deb believes in you, anything seems possible. She so often talked about you and I'm sure you miss her terribly. I'm so sorry.

I have been traveling and have just learned of Professor Colky's passing. To her family, please accept my condolences. She encouraged me to continue on my lifepath and always made time to talk to her students. I will be graduating in May 2007 and it is because of her.

Mike,
When you introduced me to Deb so many years ago, I knew, even without you telling me, that she was the perfect one for you. She had a love and enthusiasm for life that could only be matched by your own. She also had an easy laugh and subtle humor that made it so pleasant to be with her. I am very grateful that I got to spend some time with you both this summer.

Mike
As busy as Debbie was, she always made time to regularly phone and chat with Aunt Mickey...a simple gesture...but one that meant much to Aunt Mickey and said volumes about Debbie.
Other than this sentence, I'm still without words.
Barb

To the family of Deb,

I'm just learning about this and I am very sadden. I walked across the stage in Dec. with her in the audience cheering us along. Deb was an incredible instructor and a incredible person, she was like no other. She was very passionate in her work. She helped me and mentored me in such a way. She was an inspiration and will be missed!

I was so sorry to hear about Prof. Colky. She was a good spirited person and extremely motivational and uplifting. I will definitely miss talking to her and her assistance with following the right path to a great career in Training and Development. She will definitely be missed and her passion can never be replaced.

Mike,

There are, as many have noted, no words even remotely adequate to express the loss we are all feeling. Gloria and I have you in our thoughts and prayers, and we are both deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to know Deb. Deb's service on the Board of Directors at ATC is something for which I will eternally be grateful. I look forward to seeing you again soon, and again extend my and Gloria's deepest condolences.

Brian & Gloria

It is hard to believe that someone with Deb's enthusiasm for life is no longer here to impart that enthusiasm on us.

Deb was an inspiration to me and someone that I looked up to in the Training community. She was easy to talk to, gave excellent advice and really listened to your questions and opinions. It is difficult to find those qualities in a professor/friend/mentor.

She will be truly missed, not only by her family & friends, but also by the professional world as a whole.

With great sadness,

To the Family of Dr. Colky:
I am an online student at Roosevelt, I never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Colky in person, but our conversations over the telephone were pleasant. I was in her HPT class last semester and I find this very hard to believe. I want you to know that you are in my prayers. Dr. Colky had never met me in person but she was always nice and kind to me and I think that speaks volumes of her character. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you.
Debra Early

Deb was a great teacher and an even greater human being. She was warm, funny, sincere and passionate about learning. I only met Deb face-to-face a few times, and I am so thankful for that privilege.

I am so sorry to hear about Deb. I just started classes at Roosevelt, and she was in my Orientation for T&D. I was looking forward to having her as a teacher in my classes to come. Only meeting her for a few minutes, I could tell that she was a wonderful teacher and person. My most sincere thoughts are with her and her friends & family...

Oh, Michael,
I can only think of Deb as someone being equally delighted and capable talking about her Pez dispenser collection and about scholarly research. She was the total package-- so capable of developing genuine relationships with all kinds of folks. My heart goes out to you. I enjoyed her as a colleague at Roosevelt as well as a friend.
Holly Lampier

As many have said, Deb touched many different lives in many different ways. We had the honor of catching up with Mike and Deb for a lunch at O'Brien's on Wells street when we were home for the holidays last month. I will cherish this and all of the memories we shared with Mike and Deb in the short time we have know them. We first met through mutual friends in Vietnam and could not imagine at that time we would soon be living within 3 miles of each other back in Chicago within the next couple of years. While it angers us that the world has been robbed of a very special person, I can only give thanks for being able to be touched by her glow.

Dear family and friends,

As many have expressed, I too am shocked and sadded by Deb's passing. Many have been touched by her special spirit.

I was lucky enough to have her as an instructor and advisor, to be touched by her warm kindness and generosity of knowledge, wisdom and time. I am a better person and professional because of her coaching and will miss her greatly.

Please accept my deepest sympathy for this tragic loss and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mike,
The words that usually flow so easily escape me now. But those of us who loved Deb don't need words because we know how we all feel. We also know we were granted a great gift in knowing Deb. She was a great friend, always there to support me and to tell me--quite bluntly--when I was just plain wrong. I know she's up there with my dad, telling jokes, enjoying music, and cheering on the Bears.
With sadness and love,
Karen and Sam

Dear family and friends of Deb,
I was a student of Deb's and with her positive influence and enthusiasm I graduated last year. She was always there for friendship and advice. A wonderful teacher and role model in the field of T&D.
My heartfelt condolences to you all!

Mike:
I knew Deb from Roosevelt and it was a true privilege working with her. She occasionally held class around a conference table outside my office door, and occasionally (OK, regularly) I eavesdropped. I'm so glad I did, because the excitement, the energy, and the sheer joy of learning that emanated from her class made a lasting impression on me and will always inspire me. She was magic in the classroom and made the entire university a better place with her grace, intelligence, and wonderful sense of humor. We will miss her...we are missing her.

I first met Deborah Colky years ago through Dr. Bill Young, who was Chair of both of our doctoral dissertations. Deborah always had such a positive can-do additude towards helping others. She was exceptional person to work with and build a friendshp. Through the years, she has helped me build successful business programs and do research that supported CC-ASTD,Roosevelt University as well as my own buiness. I will miss her tremendously.

Mike and Family...This is a great loss to you and for those of us who knew and worked with Deb. I am so saddened. As late as a week ago, Deb and I were going back and forth on the email system. I told her how warm it was down here in Florida with the blue skies and her last words to me were: You may have the blue skies but we have a great football team. Love you....bill

To the Family of Deborah Colky,
I'm a graduate student at Roosevelt University. Deborah touched the lives and hearts of many students. She was a great instructor and a wonderful person. She will certainly be missed by all of us.

Please accept my deepest condolences. Deb was a wonderful woman who touched so many lives. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know her.

I am deeply saddened to hear about such a great loss. I had the pleasure of being a student of Deb's. Her passion, enthusiasm, and encouragement are an inspiration to me and others in the field of Training and Development. She will be greatly missed.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." ~ Thomas Campbell

I am deeply saddened to hear about such a great loss. I had the pleasure of being a student of Deb's. Her passion, enthusiasm, and encouragement are an inspiration to me and others in the field of Training and Development. She will be greatly missed.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." ~ Thomas Campbell

Mike,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Deb's family.
(Roosevelt colleague)

We knew Deborah as devoted Mom to her furry kids Otis and Morgan. Deborah regulary stuffed Otis into her VW Beetle to bring him to see us. We looked forward to their visits...giant Otis with the diminutive Deborah. She was always smiling and so very dedicated to Otis. Along with making an impact on so many people's lives, there's at least a couple of dogs out there whose lives she touched as well. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Mike. We're all thinking of you.

How it stings to realize the fragility of life, how quickly time passes and how much we take for granted. Thanks for the memories, your fountain of wisdom, and the impact you will continue to have on the field of training and development.

Colky Family -

I know there is not much I can say to ease your loss, but I wanted you to know that Deb was a dear friend and mentor. She always had a kind and encouraging word - the world will be a bit colder without her. She was the person I wish I could be.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am deeply saddened by the news that Deb is no longer with us. Even during this time of great pain and loss, I will forever be grateful for the things she taught me. She has left indelible memories with me that are filled with encouragement, compassion, sincerity and her love of travel. Even though Deb was short in stature she was a HUGE influence on me and the world of Training and Development. My life is better having known her. My prayers are with you, her family and friends, during this difficult time.

Mike--
There is, of course, nothing that any of us can say that will ease the devastation of your loss, and of ours. But we write these notes anyway, hoping you'll understand that we tried. Language does have its limits, so here's another hug, pal.

Dear Mike,

My thoughts and prayers are with you (and your family and close friends) as you try to find comfort during this difficult time. I hope that your many happy memories with Deb will be your guide on this journey.

My friendship with her will always be close to my heart and I'll miss her tremendously. She was my boss/mentor/professor. Deb had a profound ability to understand all kinds of people and situations, peppered with a witty sense of humor, which we all appreciated.

I have a deep admiration for Deb and regret that other students and colleagues will not have had the sincere pleasure and opportunity of knowing her.

Her smile was just contagious - this is how I'll remember her always.

TRDV Graduate Assistant

I am just one of the hundreds of students at Roosevelt that Deb touched. She was more than an outstanding teacher – she was kind, warm, funny and made you feel like you were one of her favorite students. She made each one of us feel so special.

A Quote from Henry Adams
A teacher affects eternity: She can never tell where her influence stops.

Thank you Deb – you will be missed

I am so sorry to hear for your loss. I had the honor of working with Deb at Roosevelt for the past three years. Deb always had a smile on her face and compassion in her heart. She will be greatly missed. My heart and prayers are with you.

We are all deeply seddened and very sorry for your loss. The sadness of the loss of Debbie is truely shared by by all your neighbors in our Bucktown community. From our homes to yours our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Michael,

My sincerest condolences on the loss of your soulmate. It's been quite some time since I have talked with you, but I will forever remember the love you and Deb shared and how your world revolved around her. Please know that I am praying for you. May the love and support of your family and many, many friends help you get through this time of great sadness, and may your memories of your times together bring you comfort. With love and deep sympathy, your friend Joanne Corcoran.

Colky Family,

It is with heartfelt regrets that I write to express my profound sympathies and deepest condolences to your family. I was blessed to be able to work with Deb as well as have her as an instructor and friend. Deb was truly amazing and she will be missed dearly.
.

I was shocked to hear of the passing of Deb Colky. The last time I saw her was last month at the graduation ceremony; she was so happy for all of us who graduated and had been a part of the TRDV program at Roosevelt. I will always remember her for all the advice and assistance she provided throughout my time in the program. She will truly be missed at Roosevelt and by all of us who had the privilege of knowing her.

I send my deepest condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.

Deb, you have known much love and admiration from all who have had the great experience of knowing you. You are one of the people in my life who have left a lasting impression. All teachers have the chance of helping mold a student and I must say you gave me a first class example of how a professional in the training industry should show passion for their work. I enjoyed you as more than just my instructor at Roosevelt, but I felt comfortable with you as a respected colleage. All whom you have touched will miss you greatly but if a piece of your enthusiasm for life stays with me, then I am a better person

Dear Mike

Having known you & Deb for many years, I can only conjure up images of you two together, seemingly never apart. To see her was always a pleasure and her smile belied her true depth. She was always patient, witty and someone who could communicate on any level without missing a beat. She could be serious yet casual all at once. I spoke with her just a few days ago regarding a problem with her email which led to a statement by her to the effect that "I guess I'm just not that popular or loved anymore" when she discovered less than the usual amount of emails in her account. She couldn't have been more wrong as evidenced by the amount of entries in this memorial book. My wife Vicki and I share your loss and and are just a phone call away if you need us.

Though I cannot be there in person, my thoughts are with you. Makes me so glad we had the family reunion this past summer and got a chance to visit with Debbie. She will be missed greatly.

I am sad with a heavy heart. I haven't met many people as authentic as Deb.

She was transparent in that I never saw her put on pretense, yet she had boundries that allowed people to be who they were without compromising her own integrity.

It appeared that she didn't allow people to disrupt her serenity for very long.

I respected her. She was an instructor of mine, my graduate advisor, and a professional who took time out after I graduated to spend time with me as I worked through the maize of real life in the work world. She gave me support and confidence to move forward when I was struggling through a failing marriage, divorce, and then life after. She shared a personal side of herself she didn't have to; because, she wanted to let me know that when life throws you a curve ball, it is an opportunity to take a swing... She said, who knows I might hit it out of the park! The only mistake I could make was not stepping up to the plate.

I will always remember her as a woman of excellence.

Mike,
We are so saddened by your loss. Deb was an amazing woman who did everything with grace and enthusiasm. Her smile and laughter generated an energy that will be missed. Mike, Alexis, Melissa and I send you our love and support and will keep you in our prayers.

McMahon Padavic Family

I am stunned and saddened at the loss of Deb and you have my sincere condolences. I have had the honor and privilege of having Deb as a teacher and mentor and can't even begin to express how much I learned from her. The world is definitely a more sorrowful place without her vitality and quips of wisdom and fun! I can only add the hope that one day soon your thoughts of Deb will bring more smiles to your face than tears to your eyes.

Michaael,

Debbie was more than a sister-in-law, she was a sister to us in every meaning of the word. We will miss her terribly.

Love,
Dawn & Ed

Mike;

I'm so numb and saddened by this. This is so wrong. And yet in her life she made such a difference to so many people - friends, colleagues, students, the profession. We all should lead a life that if something happens, we can say no regrets. Deb should have none - she made a difference, lived a wonderful life with a partner that she loved and loved her. It was my pleasure to know and work with both of you, from old CCASTD board meetings to current ones, from Just Results to The Next Step to Lake Forest.

My heart goes out to you, and I will be there for you in any way I can.

Love,

Howard

Dear Mike:
Although I didn't know Deb well, I do remember her vivacity and enthusiasm and the many ways she and you helped our daughter Dawn out by supporting the ATC, by allowing her a flexible schedule so she could still take part in their productions, and for continuing to give her part-time employment after she was no longer working for you full-time.
I regret that it is impossible for me to attend the memorial services for her but I will be there in spirit and Dalia and Dawn will represent me tonight.
So often the best and the brightest are taken from us all too soon. It's obvious when reading the number of comments from those who knew her better than I that she was a beautiful, intelligent and loving person who will leave a space impossible to fill. My condolences to you during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,

I am so sorry for the loss of our Deb. She was a joy to work with during our time together at CCASTD and as an ajdunct instructor at Roosevelt. Truly she will be missed as a friend, colleague, and mentor. My sincerest condolences for all her friends and family.

I am so sorry for your loss. Deb was one of the best teachers I ever had. She encouraged me to finish my degree for BA at RU and I went into the MA program for training and development. I have not completed due to personal issues , but I will and I owe Deb alot. She will truly be missed.

I had the honor of working with Deb for the past three years. I admired her for her accomplishments and intelligence, endeared by her humanity and compassion. She is deeply missed.

Mike, you have my deepest and sincerest condolences. Deb was a wonderful Teacher who was well respected by her students. I learned so much from her while at Roosevelt and contacted her several times after I graduated for direction and advice. I know that I am a better business woman because of her guidance and willingness to lend a helping hand. I already miss her and know that she will be missed greatly at Roosevelt University. May God keep you, bless you and strengthen you during your time of need.
TRDV 2002

Mike,
It is with great shock and sadness that I learn of Deb's passing. Her brilliance and exuberance were a special gift that those who knew her, even briefly as I did, received freely. I feel cheated to not have had the chance to know her better. I know Chicago and Roosevelt’s campus has lost one of their brightest stars.

With my deepest sympathy,

Albert Darlington

I met Deb through the Chicago Chapter of ASTD - American Society for Training & Development. I will always remember her, and appreciate her kindness and accomplishments.

Deb, from Chicago, and I, from New York, met in the wilds of suburban Washington DC teaching in a county that had been federalized ten years earlier by the Justice Department because of its intense segregation. By the time we got there, the system was entirely African-American, and they had never seen anything like us. We had the BEST TIME together, sharing sponsorship of the drama club, putting on plays (The Front Page and Harvey) with casts integrated both racially and gender(ly?), while simultaneously trying to teach something like the King's English, Literature, and History to the grandchildren of sharecroppers and the rising Black middle class -- we all learned a lot. Deb was so much fun and simultaneously a warm and wonderful soul. I saw her last November when she came through DC on some annual boondoggle that always allowed her enough free time that we could get together for a meal. This time we sat in my new condo, ordered in, and talked nonstop. She remarked that she thought it was odd that we had stayed in touch since we had little in common, but I've always thought it the most natural thing in the world, and always wished I knew more people as warm and kind as she. When it was time to leave, we called a cab -- they always come in a minute or so, but I walked down to the lobby to wait with her... and the cab took over an hour before we finally went out on the street and hailed one. I'm so grateful we had that last rambling hour together. I'd been thinking about calling her throughout the football playoffs because of Da Bears, but somehow didn't -- mostly because I figured she hadn't been paying as much attention as I. Not calling is my only regret about our long and wonderful friendship. Mike, you two were so perfectly matched in my view, and I always had the sense that she agreed. She often rolled her eyes when I would talk about how great, how funny, how downright entertaining you are, but she did it with the exasperation of deep affection. Oh, I will miss her and my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in these very sad days.

I will truly miss Deb!

Michael,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Deb was my friend and locker partner through 4 years of high school. Her laugh was infectious. Although we lost contact over the years, I never forgot her and I share your sorrow.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and both of your families. May the many happy memories you shared help you through this difficult time.

Dr. Colky welcomed me into RU. I am saddened to hear of her passing, but trust that she is at peace...

May the grace of God comfort those who knew Deb and were touched by her contribution to our profession. Our world is a better place because Deb impacted so many who remain. Her legacy lives . . . a CPLP Pioneer! We honor her in our quest to make a difference as she has indeed.

Glancing at my schedule I'd see a tough day ahead of me. Then I'd see Deb's name and breathe a sigh of relief that there was someone who would brighten the day with her sense of fun, wry humor, and a real vibrancy. I admired what a smart and insightful woman she was. And we shared a mutual love of beautiful, stylish footwear. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I will miss her.

Dear Michael,
I was heartbroken to hear of Deb's passing. I had the honor of working for her at Roosevelt Univeristy. She is one of the main reasons that I am currently working toward my Master's Degree in Training & Development at Roosevelt. She was bright, beautiful, talented, and just alot of fun. I will miss her tremendously. May you find comfort and peace in the memories you have of all the wonderful times you shared with Deb.

Michael,

We are so saddened for the loss of your most precious Love, Deb, and we cannot imagine how you are coping with such pain.

CCASTD held in it’s arms, Deb, such a gem of a person who carried us through the many challenges and victories we faced these past few years. We were the fortunate ones to have had her in our midst.

Deb Colky - an amazing woman. We will always relate to this wonderful person by remembering her gracious being. Smart, calm, welcoming – Deb’s inherent qualities, who touched SO MANY hearts and minds across the world – especially here in Chicago.

The Learning, Performance and Development Community will never be the same without this shining star of whom WE were so VERY privileged to work along side.

Deb - thanks for your friendship and love, your smile and your warmth and how we will cherish the moments you spent with us.

Michael, our hearts truly go out to you and your family.

Warmly,
Micki Lewis

I too met Deb at the ASTD scoring event in Alexndria this November. I was impressed by her depth of knowledge and insight and am saddened to hear of her passing. May God comfort and strengthen you in this time of loss and renew your hearts with many memories of her.

Dear Mike,

I am so sorry for your loss. Deb was an incredible person who gave so much of herself to our board and those with whom she came in contact. Her cheerful smile, positive attitude, and calm spirit influenced and inspired others. She will be greatly missed.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm truly devstated on the passing of Deb. We served on the CCASTD Board together; agreed and disagreed on issues - but always for the good of CCASTD. I will miss her and so will many others on our board.

My thoughts are with you.

I am so greatly saddened to hear of Deb's passing. I had met her for the first time in November at an American Society for Training and Development workshop, and am glad for the chance to get to know her. She was an asset to our profession and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Colky family,

My deepest condolences in your loss of Deb as she has been my advisor and mentor at Roosevelt the past 4 years. I truly appreciated her friendliness, insight and positive well wishes and I will miss not having the opportunity to see her smiling face upon my impending graduation. My family's thoughts and prayers are with each of you in your time of need.

I met Deborah at an ASTD event in Alexandria Virginia. I found her to be a very warm and friendly person. I'm sure she will be missed by all of those who knew and loved her.

My deepest condolences for your loss. Deb was a wonderful woman and it was a blessing to have gotten to know her. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss.

Mike and Family, You are surely in our thoughts but, of course, there are few words that could provide comfort at this time. Deb was an amazing person who connected with everyone she encoutered in every setting. We will miss her so much. Our deepest condolences, Jim Johnson and Laurel Jeris

To all who knew Deb,
We suffered a great loss when Deb left us, far too early I might add. I was priveledged to have her as an advisor at Roosevelt and as a friend through CCASTD.

As we all know, she was a very high energy individual yet had such a strong, calming effect. She was brilliant yet practical. Funny yet serious. She was an asset to any group that was fortunate enough to have her with them.

I'll definately miss her and feel the T&D community is a little poorer because she's not here.

Dear Mike,
I am so sorry for your loss - for our loss - as all who knew Deb will feel her absence. You had the good fortune to marry your best friend; few people are that lucky. She was the best, and I will miss her shining smile.
Love,
Wynne

Dear Mike,

I am so very sorry for your loss, a loss shared by so many others who loved Deb. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

"For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains."

May your fond memories sustain you, and may time bring your heart peace.

Bets and Don

My deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Deb was a great teacher and I surely will miss her.
Monica Reilley
TRDV Student At Roosevelt

My deepest condolences to the entire Colky family and all of Deb's friends and colleagues. Deb was always a joy, and she will be truly missed.

Marguerite Barrett (served on 2006 CCASTD Board with Deb)

My sincere condolences. I am a student at Roosevelt and Professor Colky was a true inspiration, as well as being a warm, funny, great person. Her absence will be felt but she lives on in the students she inspired.

Deb was my professional mentor and inspiration. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

I'm so sorry to hear about Deb. She was my mentor and friend during my TRDV courses, and a wonderful inspiration to all who knew her. Her work and passion for life will live on in the many students that she has counseled and taught. She was so proud in December of our graduating class--the largest, I think, from the Training and Development program.

Deb was a great instructor, mentor and support. She will greatly be missed by all of her students.

Mike,

I was shocked to hear the terrible news about Deb. She was such a beautiful, full of life person. Her laughter and warm smile were contagious. She was loved by all who knew her.

My deepest condolences.

Dear Mike,
Although we recently met, my heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your family.

I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers today and everyday.

If ever there was a way to share your burden or help in any way, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Enza & Family

Mike,
My condolescences to you. Deb left an impression upon me that will never be forgotten. As one of her students, I learned so much from her. I am happy to have met her in my lifetime.

My sincere condolences to the entire Colky family. Life has a way of bringing some very special and unique people into your life. There are two teachers/professors that have left an imprint in my life. The first was my high school English teacher. I'm 50 years old and still to this day, he still has an impact on my life. The second, was Deb. As a former student of hers, she provided hope and guidance when you needed it most. She had a smile and disposition about her that just made you want to aspire to all you could be. She will be truly missed by many, especially by me. Thank you Deb for all you've been to me.

Michael,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie was always kind and giving.

Love,
Karen, MIke & Kevin Serafini

Dear Mike:

Deb was truly loved by all at Roosevelt University and we miss her dearly. She was a wonderful colleague and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I know your loss is great, but also know that Deb will forever be in our hearts.

Kathy Iverson

Mike,
My most heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your beloved wife. What you're heart weeps for at this moment of time is the person that brought you the greatest joy and delight

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight."

My deepest sympathies at your sudden loss.

Sorry for your loss.

Sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dearest Michael
We have all lost a very special person who filled our lives with that unique ability to make everyone Debbie met feel important and cared about. Debbie possesed the rare qualities that made her shine above all others. I can still hear her laugh and see her smile. Our heart goes out to you. You are always in our thoughs.
With love
Caryl,Burt, Larry, Risa and Michael

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the entire Colky & Lavin families.

Kevin Miller & Family (son of Ken Miller)

Mike:
I am so sorry to hear of your wife's demise. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time and in the future days.
Take special care,
Trish

I am so sorry for your loss.

Celebrating the Life of
Deborah Lavin Colky

Immortality
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
-Mary E. Frye (1932)