Suzanne Kay "Suzie" Colbert

With the death of Suzie Colbert, a mother lost her best friend and sunshine of her life. The world also lost a true globetrotter and beam of pizzazz. Suzanne Kay Colbert died Monday, July 21, 2025 in a multiple-vehicle accident near the Washington D.C. area where she resided and was based as a flight attendant for United Airlines. Suzie was born on July 30, 1964, the daughter of Joel J. and Eleanor "Bobbie" M. (Goettle) Colbert in Champaign, Illinois. Her formative years were spent in Rochelle, Illinois, a place she always loved to return for visits with family, old friends and to watch Hub football. Growing up under "Coach Colbert", Suzie developed an emotional attachment to football. It carried throughout her life, so much so that she arranged flights that would put her in the nexus of major NFL games. A more rabid fan of the sport would be hard to find. Suzie also had a fond appreciation for learning, starting as a kid at Tilton grade school. Eventually, she earned a master's degree in education from the University of Hawaii, all the while living in Honolulu and working at United. Her primary occupation was a long career as a flight attendant, but she did take a 4-year voluntary furlough after 9-11 to teach English and literature to students of different nationalities. She frequently substitute taught and had the heart of an educator. A lighter side of her emphasis on learning came from an ambition to be on a game show. As an undergrad at NIU, she majored in general studies, reasoning that knowing a little bit about everything would help her chances to make the bright lights of television. Besides Arlington, VA and Honolulu, HI, Suzie spent several years in Los Angeles, never making it to the big time, but embracing a venue much different than rural Ogle county. That was a theme for her, as she traveled the world over and easily assimilated into its people and culture. Once, she moved in with a family in Guatemala and learned to speak Spanish. Or, a trip to Italy would be made to learn cooking techniques. Rather than be a consumer of travel, she was a giver. Meeting new people wherever she went, Suzie desired to serve others. No matter one's skin color, religion, age, ethnicity or education, Suzie was there for you. As an advocate for peace and justice, she fought for social and political causes and wasn't shy about sharing her viewpoints. The D.C. area was particularly fascinating to her and she jumped headlong into the fray, often pedaling her bike to where ever the action was. Though she lived an adventurous life, she also found joy in simple things. In contrast to the zest of being at a Super Bowl or a tennis match in Paris, Suzie could just as easily be found visiting the great churches and cathedrals of the world. A practicing Catholic, Suzie was a follower of Jesus. As the outpouring from co-workers all over the globe testify, she lived it out in every aspect of her life, both on and off the job with them. Suzie is survived by her mother, Bobbie of Rochelle, IL; sister, Jodi (Brett) Kemp of Stevensville, MT; brothers: Andy Colbert of Oregon, IL; Bo (Cindy) Colbert of Trinity, NC; and Tony (Catherine) Colbert of Florence MT. She was predeceased by her father, Joel Colbert and sister-in-law, Kathy Colbert. She was a fun-filled aunt to Matt (Ceren) Kemp, Ryan Kemp and Lindsay (Kevin) Brown; Blair Colbert and Jorie (Carlton) Getz; Anthony Colbert and Mallory (David) Garten; Mia and Madi Colbert; and a great aunt to Alexandra and Liliya Getz. Though never married, Suzie loved each as her own, leaving an indelible mark. But, that was the case with everyone she encountered. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.