Don and family, we are so very sorry for your loss of Colette. She fought so hard for so long, we thought she had it licked. Please know we are thinking of you all.

Colette RIP - We should be so lucky as to have rare people like this outlive us. She made me and others happy, to want to be better.

I’ve known so few people of such character and goodness. You felt it when you were around her. She was other-centered, humble, witty & funny, sharp, kind beyond words; I’m not eloquent enough to go on.

All I can say is that I spent too little time interacting with her. Having moved back to the Midwest only recently I had the good fortune to meet up with Colette and her husband Don at dinner and for a beer a couple of times. We just ate and drank and talked and laughed and talked and ate…. for hours. I have a tiny group of people in the world I’m comfortable doing that with; even eager to do so. I was looking forward to repeating this again and again, (here’s the kicker), once I settled into my new life, now it’s too late. I’m going to reach out to that handful immediately.

Completely impossible to know what Don, Theresa and the extended family are going through. But I know that they and lots of others are really hurting, even sick over this. Yeah, life goes on. In this instance though I have to say, ‘Sort of’.

Find those sparks, those nuggets, those gems of people you were lucky enough to come across in your life. Like Colette was to so many people. They’re very extraordinary in life. Treat them like the treasure and gift to you that they are. Don’t wait.

Don,

Please know my heartfelt sorrow I feel for your loss. I have a vivid remembrance of the spark of joy and happiness when I first met her so long ago at Loras. She had energy not to be contained. She is an angel in heaven. Lanny Burris Simpson

The Van Steenhuyse family sends our thoughts and prayers to all the Romans, families and friends of Colette. We know that losing such a beloved daughter, spouse, mother, sister, aunt, grandma, sister-in-law, niece, friend, neighbor, and volunteer leaves a BIG hole. Colette taught children, scouts and young people, and brightened the daily lives of many through her Meals on Wheels delivery. Colette truly was a difference-maker and a model for us all as a life well-lived. A donation was made to Houses into Homes in Colette's memory. Our hearts are with you. Kathy and Frank Van Steenhuyse and family

Don, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Colette was one of the absolute best people I ever met. She gave so much of herself, even as she was battling cancer. Her love of sharing her faith will live on in the many crafts and activities that I have taken from her over the 20 years we taught RE together. My husband, Dennis, enjoyed seeing her at Meals on Wheels and marveled at her energy, cheerfulness and willingness to help others even while she was going through so much herself. She will be missed immensely.

I first met "Teacher Colette" when all of our children attended University Preschool back in the early 2000s. She always had such a loving and spirited way of interacting with all of the kids there. We'd run into each other around town every once in a while, and she'd always ask about the family and how each of the kids was doing.

When my youngest was five (now 21), almost every day after preschool I'd hear her say, "It IS true, because Teacher Colette said it was true and Teacher Colette knows EVERYTHING in the whole wide world." And it never seemed to matter what "it" was!

My condolences to the entire Szeszycki family. Colette was a remarkable person who impacted so many people during her life. I'm blessed to have been one of them.

Rest in peace, Colette.

We first met Teacher Colette at University Preschool where 3 of our 4 children had the privilege to be taught and loved by her. Emily babysat for us and I had the pleasure to reconnect with Colette at Regina Religious Ed. She was a very special person who made a positive impact in so many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Laurie and Doug Boland and family

Theresa.

My thoughts are with you. I will never forget the great times and laughs we shared! We had so much fun being a boylanaire.

I pray God gives you strength during this time.

Karen Maragi

I will always remember Colette as a wonderful person who always thought of others. I have fond memories of working side by side with her at Regina Religious Ed. She always arrived early with her cookies and ready to assist with any task I needed help with. She was always smiling and ready to help ANYONE.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Our Notre Dame Sisters are also remembering all of you in prayer.

Remembering a beautiful person who gave of herself to help others. Prayers to the entire family. We will remember Colette with a smile. Blessings to all of you at this difficult time.

Celeste Vincent

Bob and Mary Roman, So sorry to read about the pasting of your sister and sister-in-law. Prayers for your family

Teacher Colette was so loved by my children while at University Preschool. She will be missed. May she rest in God’s eternal peace.

I have nothing but fond memories of Collette. Not only was she my troop leader for years, I spent many summers, afternoons and weekends in her home. she was one of most patient, kind and selfless being I had the gift of knowing. Sending my love and prayers for peace to the Szeszycki's.

Colette greeted me warmly when I was new to the Provost's Office and its social events. She generously cared for my daughter Zoë when I was out of town, though we were almost strangers. Collette made us feel safe in her presence. I remember vividly that feeling. Don and family, I am sorry for your loss of such a loving person. Barbara Eckstein

My prayers and hugs are with my cousin’s family and Barbara.

May god wrap his arms around you to bring you all comfort during this time.

Thoughts and prayers to the family. She was my daughter’s Girl Scout leader and she went out her way to make it a fun learning experience. Liz and my daughter Leslie were friends through high school. They spent many hours at our house or at Liz’s. She is gone too soon and will be missed.

A kind person that seemed to put a lot of care into everything she did. That's a lesson in itself.

Love,prayers

Jimbo Jensen