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Colleen Drury Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Colleen Drury

Sponsored by The Drury Girls.

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Peter Playman

May 29, 2013

Just heard the news. So sorry about Colleen.
Last time I saw her was jogging on the canal bank in 1978.
I went to Saint Thomas with her.
She really had not changed.
She can be very proud of her children.

Trace Baker-Nuckolls

April 24, 2013

Colleen was a lovely person and a wonderful wife and mom. My heart goes out to you for your loss.

Kyle Ciani

March 27, 2013

Dear Drury and Bootz family members,
I'm so sorry to hear of Colleen's passing. She was a beautiful woman who has touched so many people. That touch started early in her life, as she always carried a warm smile and zest for life through her day. As a kid, I loved when my sister's great group of girlfriends from St. Thomas and St. Mary's would include me in their circle, and Colleen was always so sweet to me. I just loved being around her because she made me feel so special. That sticks with you and I love her for giving me that so early in my life. I'm thinking of your family as you mourn her loss. Love to you all.

Linda Mazon Gutierrez

March 15, 2013

To the Bootz and Drury Family,

I write to you to express my sympathy to all of you. Wonderful memories emanate when I learned of Colleen's passing. From my St. Mary's High School days I recall meeting Colleen when she was just 12 years old having pom practice at the Bootz home and spending time with her sister Kathy. Colleen was always starry eyed and loved being around us to be with the big high school girls : ) Her smile was infectious as was that of the entire Bootz Family. Her parents were embracing and I always felt welcome in the Bootz home.
May God embrace her and that Colleen and my brother Frankie -SM 71- give each other a warm hug in heaven...love to all of you.

Ginger Elias Sanford

March 14, 2013

Colleen was a lovely woman, strong and courageous, and determined to live her life to the fullest. I had the pleasure of attending high school with her and remember those beautiful eyes and that great smile. I am so sorry that I missed her celebration due to an out of town conference so I could share my feelings in person. Please know that Colleen and all of her family has been in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you Colleen. You are an inspiration for all of us.

WENDI ASHTON

March 8, 2013

You'll always be in my heart.

Chuck & Sandi Eppel

March 8, 2013

A great Matriarch to a loving family

Sara McWhorter

March 7, 2013

Colleen was an inspiration in many ways. I knew her as a school nurse many years ago and am sorry to hear she lost this battle. Prayers to her family. May she Rest In Peace.

Lynn Kresse

March 7, 2013

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Collen will forever be a spirit embodied by such moments. Be in peace.

Pierrette Idoyaga

March 6, 2013

The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God. ~ Eileen Elias Freeman

Jonathan and Lee Read/Heath

March 5, 2013

The flame that burns twice as bright, lasts half as long. Colleen will be truly missed by many.

Nick D'Arcangelo

March 5, 2013

Goodbye to an old friend...

Barbara Martin

March 5, 2013

Bill, Kevin and I are very sorry to hear about Colleen. God bless and keep you and your daughters in our prayers.

Evelyn Alejandro

March 4, 2013

Colleen, God bless, sending prayers to your family and friends.

ALEX RAMIREZ AND FAMILY

March 4, 2013

GOD BLESS YOU ALL, SHE IS IN PEACE WITH ALL THE ANGELS LIKE HER.-

Aunt Kaitlin Drury

March 4, 2013

Graceful, courageous, warm and strong. That's Colleen. Truly inspiring was your mom and I'll never forget her! Deep, deep sympathy to you girls & your families in her passing.

Elaine (Gunter) Goble

March 4, 2013

The Drury family lived next door to my parents for many years - Colleen, Bill and the girls were so sweet and cared for them a lot. I thank you. Prayers are with you all.
Love, Elaine(Gunter)Goble

Judy Morace

March 3, 2013

Colleen, through Kevin,I have heard so much about you.I have read your blog and would like to say thank you for your contribution in elevating awareness of ovarian cancer, for your contributions as a loving mother, wife and sister and as a nurse. You are a credit to women. With much respect, I send you grace and Godspeed.

March 3, 2013

She was truly one of the happiest of all the people I have ever met...it´s been years, but I will never forget her. The world is a better place for having her in it. My condolences to you all,
XOXO
Jean Gallagher Kieselburg

Debbie and Dennis Horne

March 3, 2013

You all have been in our thought's and prayer's for a long time. We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom. She was blessed to have so much support, what an incredible journey!I hear how much you miss her, and the pain is so real. Sending our love to all of you.

Linda and Russ Raymond

March 3, 2013

Russ (Colleen's cousin) and I send our deepest sympathies and prayers to you all at this sad time. Her beautiful smile and spirit will always be present in your lives. Although separated by miles our family shared her stories posted on her Colleen's Dream these past several months. Thank you for sharing her with us, One day we will all meet her! God bless you all. Sincerely, Linda and Russ

Jimmy, Imelda, Richard, Rayna Rosario

March 3, 2013

Colleen was a gentle, loving, compassionate, giving soul. Her infectious laughter, and contagious smile will truly be missed. In our hearts we hold Colleen close and she will be forever loved.

Linda Ross

March 3, 2013

I will always Miss you Colleen and I will never forget the many Hugs we shared.

Kristi & Scott Conlon

March 3, 2013

Scott and I are sad for the empty place that her passing leaves in so many hearts. We choose to remember her dancing and enjoying herself with family and friends.

March 3, 2013

To All the Drury daughters, it was truly a blessing to know your beautiful mother, dear Colleen. May her spirit live forever in your hearts..she has taught you how to love, live and enjoy each new day. She will be deeply missed but has touched our lives greatly, Blessings and our prayers to all.
Don and Sherry Coltman

Rosemary Cuellar Favela

March 3, 2013

Dearest beautiful Colleen Her strong beautiful blue eyes. Shared many fun times in high school. God bless you and your family

Kari Williams

March 3, 2013

Colleen was truly one of a kind. The most gracious, loving, spirited and beautiful woman I have ever met. I am so lucky to have been blessed to know her.

Carol Romano

March 3, 2013

Nicole, Danielle, Michelle and Billie,
Colleen will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul who touched many lives, including mine. May God be with all of you.
Love, Carol

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

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