COLOMBO Rene
Posted: June 5th, 2015
Rene Colombo
1938 – 2015
Rene (nee Zelenka) Colombo of Lethbridge, formerly of Taber, passed away begrudgingly on June 1, 2015 at the age of 76 years. Yes, you read that correctly. Rene lived life to the fullest and even while battling advanced stages of cancer, fully expected to live to 100.
Rene grew up on a farm south of Taber with 5 sisters and 2 brothers and spent many hours on the coulee ridge with her horse Bunny. She graduated from the Calgary General Hospital School of Nursing in 1959 and was working as a nurse in Yellowknife when she met her future husband Keith. Together they had a son Mike and daughter Lisa, and eventually settled back in Taber. After a tragic car accident took Keith’s life in 1980, Rene rekindled her early love of travel and throughout the rest of her life made her way to many wonderful places around the world.
“Auntie” Rene was quick to laugh, extremely supportive and her home was the central gathering point for many friends and relatives. She loved the color green, was fond of red wine, overplayed Neil Diamond albums and felt sincerely blessed to have such a close family and to have met so many fantastic people.
Rene is survived by brother Dennis (Julie), sisters Mona (Ray) and Marilyn, children Mike (Ashley) and Lisa (Pierre), grandchildren Sydney and Bryn, Christopher and Aubin, countless nieces and nephews; along with a truly extraordinary amount of purses and shoes.
Rene was very clear about what was to happen when she passed. She would not stand for an event where people stood around mourning, sipping tea and whispering in hushed tones. She wanted a party to celebrate her life with music, wine and lemon treats. So that’s what we are going to have. A celebration of Rene’s life will be held on Sunday, August 16th from 1:30-3:30 in Taber, at the HERITAGE INN HOTEL, 4830-46 Ave, Hwy 3, Taber, AB.
In lieu of flowers donations in Rene’s name can be made to Canadian Cancer Society, 317- 10 St. South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2M7.
Although I can’t attend Rene’s service, I will be listening to Neil Diamond, drinking red wine, and eating lemon treats with you. Rene was always such a joy to be around and she will be greatly missed. Fly, Rene fly!
Auntie Rene was a very special lady who’s vibrancy, humor and zest for life (&wine) will be fondly remembered by me. She will be greatly missed by her family and I’m so sorry that you’ve all lost such a wonderful person but what great happy memories you will all have. God bless.