Doris "Mickey" Colombatto

DORIS "MICKEY" (HOOVER) COLOMBATTO, age 93, died September 9, 2022, in the loving arms of her granddaughter, Fawn Colombatto. Her memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Mumford-Hudson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to LakeVille Pack 133 so Mickey can continue to share her love for scouting.
Mickey was born in Detroit and attended Gilles Elementary School, Neinas Middle School, and Western High School. She graduated from Wayne University, now known as Wayne State University, College of Nursing in 1951. Mickey's nursing class consisted of 12 students and they were the 2nd class to graduate from WU with a Bachelors in Nursing. She completed five years of courses and clinicals at the University of Minnesota, St. Luke's Hospital in Marquette, Michigan and the VA Hospital in Detroit.
After graduation, she worked at Harper Hospital. She married the love of her life, Joseph W. Colombatto, Jr. in December 1951. He had just graduated from the University of Detroit with an Electrical Engineering degree. Joseph joined the US Army and worked at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds as a computer specialist. Their first child, Kathleen Jo, was born in Maryland and Joe was discharged from the Army in January of 1953. They returned home and Joe returned to work as a sales engineer for Clark Control and eventually became a district manager. Three more children were born in Detroit: Michael, Carol, and Susan. For years, Mickey volunteered at Our Lady of Refuge in Orchard Lake and was a Brownie leader, Cub Scout Leader, and many times a "Room Mother."
In 1975, Mickey began her Genealogy research when her Aunt gave her a box of data from her mother's side of the family. She and Joe spent hours traveling the United States, researching in libraries and graveyards. They went to Utah and took genealogy classes. She had five books published on Marks, Hoover, Colombatto, Goodyear, and Henderson/Cooper/Morris by the Allen County Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She also spent many years donating blood to the Red Cross as she was type O and received several gallon pins over the years.
In May of 2014, Mickey moved in with her granddaughter to help entertain her great grandchildren, Ashton and Joey, and eat their snacks. They both enjoyed her kindness and stories. They also learned that when you get blamed for something to always respond with the saying, "it wasn't me."
Mickey is survived by her children: Kathleen Jo (Barry) Ackerman, Dr. Michael D. (Mary Ivory) Colombatto, and Carol L. Atkins; grandchildren: Fawn (Kathleen Anger) Colombatto and Zachary Smith; great grandchildren, Ashton and Joseph; sister, Joan Wilson; brother in-law, Howard Rubin; best friends, Ann Benjamin and Ann Reed; and Tegan, her faithful cat. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph W. Colombatto, Jr.; sister, Carolyn A. Rubin; daughter, Susan K. (Rick) Smith; brother- in-law, James Wilson; and son-in-law, Bobbie Atkins.
Mickey donated her body to Wayne State University so the students could learn how she earned the nickname "Wonder Woman."
The family would like to thank Jullian from Pinnacle and caregivers, Beth, Patti, and Kim from Grace Hospice for their excellent care of Mickey. Also, Chaplain Dale for his prayers, singing, and kindness.
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