Patricia H. Colbert - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Patricia H. Colbert

December 18, 1937 - June 23, 2014

Patricia H. Colbert, age 76, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at Seasons Hospice at the Christiana Hospital on June 23, 2014 after a long illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ritner C. and Agnes K. Hall and her older brother Ritner and younger sister Kathryn Lange. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ralph E. Colbert Jr. and their four children along with Patsy’s younger sister, Winifred Schmeling (David Schmeling) Tallahassee, FL. as well as numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Patsy and Ralph have four children, Richard Colbert(Cathy Colbert), Newark DE, Debi Thomas(Jeff Thomas) Newark, DE, Tab Colbert(Beth Colbert) New Albany, OH and Sharon Whetham(Kevin Whetham) Newark, DE. They also have 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Patsy was a lifelong resident of Newark and was a 1955 graduate of Newark High School and also attended the University of Delaware. She was a cofounder of a preschool, Playgarden and ran it successfully for over 14 years. She was also receptionist and Office Administrator for St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Newark for many years.

Patsy was also a long time member, Elder and Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Christiana Presbyterian Church and later at White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church. She was devoted to her faith, family and her Lord.

In retirement Patsy enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends all across the country. She enjoyed gardening and playing cards with a small group of friends as well as a weekly coffee group, for over 40 years. She worked on many volunteer committees and projects with her church and her community.

She was incredibly proud of her children and took extreme joy in watching her children, grandchildren and especially her great grandchildren grow and succeed.

Patsy was truly loved by all who knew her and will be missed dearly by her family, friends and her hometown of Newark. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of Somerford Place as well as the staff of Seasons Hospice. Without their care, love and constant support, this most difficult of situations would have been unbearable, THANK YOU ALL.

A celebration of Patsy’s life will be held 11:30 am on Friday morning, June 27, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church of Newark, 292 West Main Street, Newark, DE. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that a donation be made to any of the following organizations: Christiana Presbyterian Cemetery Association, 15 N Baltimore Pike, Christiana DE 19702, Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Suite 01 Newark, DE 19713 or to the Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd, Media PA 19063.

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15 Condolences for Patricia H. Colbert

  • Patsy was such a generous spirit. You have my deepest sympathy for your loss.

  • To Patsy’s Family,
    Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. The loss of such a wonderful wife and mother is harrowing. The solace can only come knowing that her love lives on through each of you. We always enjoyed seeing Patsy and Ralph when they stopped in Tallahassee.
    Our sincerest condolences,
    Dick and Barbara Shapley

  • Mrs. Colbert was a wonderful woman and will be missed by all who knew her. The positive is that she is no longer in pain, her dementia is gone and she will no longer have any bad days. Our prayers are with the Colberts, Whethams, Thomas’ and Schmeling families as well as the extended family members. I know it is cliche but your memories will get you through these difficult days. God bless you all. Nancy and Todd Coddington, Chris and Andrew Abe

  • My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this awful time of grief and sorrow. Patsy was a beautiful and caring person whose gift of love will live on in all of you. I send my sincere sympathy.

  • sorry for your loss May Patsy rest in peace with the Lord. She was a special Lady, kind and gentle and always a smile. Our prayers are with the family. Romie and Susan.

  • Tab and family;
    It has been a few years since we have seen each other at the University of Delaware. So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My mother, Elaine Colbert Walker, is your father’s cousin. She also sends her condolences to you, your father and family.
    Susan Walker Hill

  • We remember Patsy fondly from the old Diamond State Telephone days. Our sympathy to the family on her passing.
    John and Chris Sadowski

  • We’ll always remember the good times in Florida. So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. We will be there on Friday to share in Pat’s celebration of life.

  • Winnie (David) & all of Patsy’s family…I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Patsy that I got to know thru my dear friend, Winnie. Please know you’re all in my thoughts & prayers.
    With love & deepest sympathy…
    Julie Holt

  • “I remember my Mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” – Abraham Lincoln

  • Our deepest sympathy and parayers are sent to you and your family. It is never easy to say good-bye to those that we love so dearly. As long as we keep them in our hearts and in our minds they are never truly gone. Take comfort in knowing that she loves you and will always watch over you. Know that heaven has a new shining star watching over you and that your Mother is whole again and at peace. We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.

  • Kevin, Sharon and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. The many cherished memories you hold close to your heart will be a daily celebration of her life and bring a healing peace as you move forward. In sympathy, the CFNA Risk Management Team

  • My heart and condolences go out to the entire family. Although I did not know Patsy, I know she raised beautiful children who will continue to make her proud.

  • So sorry to hear about your Mothers passing.
    Our prayers go out to all of you.
    Love Betty & Tom

  • Dear Ralph and family,

    I just learned of Pat’s memorial service, too late to attend. There are many warm memories of the Colberts from when you lived next door. Jan joins me from Minneapolis in sending warmest thoughts and wishes to you all.

    Vicky Kleinman