Colette C. CROSBY

CROSBY, Colette C. 86, of Santa Rosa, CA, died February 17, 2016. She was born May 8, 1929 in Denver, Colorado to Dr. and Mrs. Colo Combs (Odette Lamignere). She graduated from Stanford University in 1950 with a BS in biological sciences, lettering in women's volleyball. On August 26, 1950, she married Roger M. Crosby II at the National Episcopal Cathedral in Washington, DC; he preceded her in death in 2010. She is survived by their daughter, JoAnne Crosby Pennello, and grandson, Christopher Pennello. Mrs. Crosby had many and varied interests, hobbies, and accomplishments. Born and raised in the Great Depression, she was thrifty and resourceful; she admired and emulated the self-sufficiency of the pioneer women of whom she was a descendant. She repaired and refinished items in need of restoration, made her own draperies, reupholstered furniture, sewed and knitted the family's clothing, and with Roger remodeled their house. She raised livestock and hay on their five acres, and tended three gardens and several fruit trees. She enjoyed English and American history and literature, classical music, and playing the viola and piano. She traced the family's genealogy and organized extensive trips to Europe and Egypt with Roger. After studying Victorian architecture she and Roger built several models of Victorian doll houses. Together they took Russian and German language classes. She worked as a cost accountant for the US Army, as a sales associate for JC Penney's, and as a business manager for a medical office. She was a member of the Richard III Society, the Fulton Corona Club, and a Thursday sewing club, and at one time president of the Mountain View CA PTA. She attended St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Mountain View from 1956 to 1975 where she organized annual fairs and carnivals, and then the Church of the Incarnation in Santa Rosa from 1975 to the present. Heartfelt gratitude goes to the caregivers at Brookdale of Santa Rosa, her residence since 2010. A private graveside service will be held at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. Contributions to Canine Companions for Independence are welcome.