Drury, Colleen Bootz
58, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away from ovarian cancer surrounded by the love of her beloved daughters on February 23, 2013. Colleen was born on October 2, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois. She is the third of eight children born to Stan and Donna Bootz. Colleen moved to Phoenix, Arizona when she was two months old. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1972. Colleen married Bill Drury in 1979; they remained married for 32 years. With three young children, Colleen went back to school and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University in 1987. Her fourth daughter was born shortly thereafter in 1988. She began her beloved career in nursing at St. Joseph's Hospital before moving on to community school nursing. For over two decades, she worked as a legal nurse consultant for Renaud Cook Drury Mesaros, PA where she officially retired in December 2012. Colleen's true life's work was invested in her relationships with her family and friends, in particular her four daughters whom she loved above all else. Her spirit was infectious. To know Colleen was to love her and to be loved in return. She cherished life and made the most of it every single day. When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2007, Colleen chose not to allow the disease to define her or slow her down. She never complained. Colleen's grace, determination, and positive attitude in the face of adversity made her an inspiration to people across the world. Through her blog, she candidly shared her journey with cancer and treatment. She continued to stay active. She loved to hike, travel all over the world, embrace new cultures, enjoy fine wine, eat delicious food, dance with abandon to live music, and master her fear of riding a motorcycle. More than anything, Colleen loved to be with her daughters, son-in-laws, her treasured grandchildren, her beloved dog, George, and her family and friends. Colleen and her children startedColleen's Dream Foundation, a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to help combat ovarian cancer. It was Colleen's dream to develop tools for early detection and more effective treatment in hopes that far fewer women would suffer the same ultimate fate. Colleen was a bright light in many lives. She is missed dearly. Her impact and legacy will continue to be built in years to come through Colleen's Dream. Colleen is preceded in death by her father, Stanley Bootz. She is survived by her four daughters, Nicole Cundiff (Billy), Danielle Kamm (Daniel), Michelle Drury (Pete Batschelet), and Billie Drury, as well as four beautiful grandchildren, her mother, Donna Bootz, and seven siblings. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Setsuko Chambers and her staff at the Arizona Cancer Center, John Shufeldt, Rene Beckham, Banner Hospice and all their friends and family for their support through the last five years, as well as her final days. The memorial and celebration of life will be held on March 8th, 2013 at the Lakeview Inn on the Camelback Golf Club at 7847 N. Mockingbird Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. The Memorial will be held from 12-2 pm and the (adult) celebration will begin at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, it was Colleen's request that donations be made to Colleen's Dream Foundation at 849 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 or www.colleensdream.org.
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Published in The Arizona Republic on Mar. 3, 2013
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