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Heather Calahan-Babcock Obituary

Heather Calahan-Babcock, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away due to unexpected complications resulting from cancer surgery in Denver, CO on Tuesday, August 9th, 2016 at the age of 42. She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Jeffery, children, Owen (12) and Taylor (8) of Durango, CO, her parents Hazel and Arnie DeFeyter of Holland, Mi, and brother, Jeffrey Calahan (Janira) of Pompano Beach, FL, her uncle and aunt, John Van Iwaarden (Donna) of Holland, MI. She is also survived by her father and mother-in-law, Dwight and Derinda Babcock, sister-in-laws, Amber Bardin, and Courtney Smith (Ryan), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Heather was born and raised in Holland, MI, graduated from Holland High School in 1992 and went on to attend Western State College in Gunnison, CO. She later graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI in 1996. After graduation, a road trip to our National Parks brought Heather to Durango. Her love for the mountains, hiking, biking, and skiing, kept her here. She was employed in Public Relations with Bula for several years and was currently a realtor at Coldwell-Banker.
Heather was loved, liked, and admired by many. Her passing has left a huge hole in all of our hearts. Though she is gone, she will never be forgotten.
Please come and celebrate her life Saturday, August 20th at the Fort Lewis College Ballroom from 4:00 pm-7:30 pm.
A celebration will also be held in Holland, MI at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up at GoFundMe. https://www.gofundme.com/25keu35x

Published by The Durango Herald on Aug. 15, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
for Heather Calahan-Babcock

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We'll never forget Heather, and are grateful for her loving spirit in a special way now. When our son Braden died in March, Heather's dear mother said, "Heather is taking care of him again...but now, in Heaven." We believe that she's absolutely right.

Dr. Tim and Lynn Smith

Friend

August 9, 2020

We are so grateful for Heather. She made our lives so much easier when were raising our young boys. Just two days ago, we once again, had the great good fortune to spend time with her parents, congratulate them on their marvelous daughter, and celebrate her life. Her children will reflect her goodness, and we're absolutely sure of that...because our boys already do.

With love,

Lynn and Dr. Tim Smith

Lynn Smith

August 9, 2019

She always had a smile and a chuckle, was always ready to get out for another dog-walk hike somewhere, so fit and healthy and disciplined in her daily life...Heather was such an involved mother to her kids, always planning the next vacation and always keeping a well-balanced and fun-filled life for herself and her family. She enjoyed life to the fullest and was such an exemplary friend to some of us lucky enough to be part of her busy life. She will be missed by so many people who had the pleasure of knowing her and appreciating her warmth and humor.

Jayne Collins

Jayne Collins

August 22, 2016

I taught Taylor kindergarten, and I remember how graceful Heather was in dealing with her cancer. I thought she had beaten it. So sorry to hear this!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!

Stacey Mock

August 21, 2016

As a young girl in her teens, Heather already displayed the loving wisdom that she would carry into adulthood. Always respectful and responsible, Heather was a mature person at a young age. No one that knew her was surprised that she would become a model wife and mother. Our entire family is devastated by the loss of this exemplary human being. We will never forget Heather and the positive impact she made on the life of our family.

Tim, Lynn, Keegan and Braden Smith

Lynn Smith

August 19, 2016

Sincere condolences on your great loss to all in your family during this difficult time of sorrow. In the days ahead may the promise found at John 6:40 bring you comfort and hope.

V H

August 18, 2016

So sorry to hear of Heather's passing. She was wonderful to work with and always helpful and thoughtful of our family. Thinking of those she leaves behind and praying for Jeff, Owen and Taylor.

Rachel Killinen

August 17, 2016

With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of sorrow. Very sorry to hear of the passing of Heather. A word of comfort: God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times. Psalms 91:2. May you find the needed strength from God's word, family and friends.

Dex & Lula

August 16, 2016

I'm so sorry for this grief in your family - Gigi Cook

Gigi Cook

August 16, 2016

How fortunate I am to have known Heather. Her strength, kindness, beauty and grace is forever imprinted on my heart. God bless Jeff, Owen and Taylor.

Laurel Campbell

August 16, 2016

I also remember keeping a fussy Owen while Heather had to run an errand. I stretched out on the sofa, laid his head against my heart, and patted his back and bottom until he went to sleep. We were comfy and quiet when Heather returned. She was frustrated that he'd go to sleep for me and not for her. I smiled and said, "It's the grandma touch, Heather."

August 16, 2016

Oh Heather you were an incredible person, I am so happy to have met you. We always enjoyed our time together at the Coldwell parties, I remember saying to you I've lost my guy, you know the most handsome man in the room and your replied, that can't be I'm with the most handsome man in the room. That one is for you Jeff.

she loved her children and enjoyed being a Mom I remember one day when Owen was just a baby and she took a trip to Sante Fe and on her trip back with Owen he was just young, he cried and wouldn't stop all the way home, by the time she got home, she got out of the car and told Jeff, you better go and get him I have had enough and we laughed about how we can love and how kids can bring us to our breaking point at times.

Heather, you have touched so many hearts, we will miss you so much, why don't we tell people that when they are alive, is it too corny to uncomfortable, the older I get the more I wonder about these things, blessings on your family heather,, rest in peace, damn cancer!!!Terri Lee

Terri Lee

August 15, 2016

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