Colette Krol Obituary

Colette Baumann Krol, the daughter of Durango residents Jerry and Sandra Baumann, died of breast cancer Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, in Portland, Ore. She was 38.

Mrs. Krol was born to the Baumanns on Oct. 22, 1971, in Boulder. She grew up in Boulder, where she was a competitive gymnast and accomplished pianist. Mrs. Krol went on to graduate from Metropolitan State College in Denver in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts.

On Sept. 20, 2003, she married Michael Krol in the mountains south of Dillon.

For the last several years, Mrs. Krol had been a project manager at a marketing firm called New Group in Portland.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, making jewelry, dancing, traveling and participating in athletics.

Her favorite quote during her fight with breast cancer was, "Don't wait for the storms to pass; learn how to dance in the rain." Mrs. Krol's philosophy was, "I'm not dying of cancer. I'm living with cancer."

After her death, her oncologist wrote a note to the Krol and Baumann families.

"Colette was one of the most beautiful, inspiring, positive women I have known in my life," Dr. Ali Conlin wrote. "Her grace and dignity throughout her fight with breast cancer was extraordinary."

Mrs. Krol is survived by her husband of seven years, Michael Krol, of Beaverton, Ore.; daughter, Sophia Krol, 5, of Beaverton; son, August Krol, 3, of Beaverton; parents Jerry and Sandra Baumann, of Durango; brothers Paul Baumann of Boulder and Greg Baumann of Urbana, Ill.; and numerous extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions for college funds for Sophia and Augi Krol may be sent to National Financial Services, 110 West A St., Suite 1800, San Diego, CA 92101 with Colette Krol Memorial Fund Account No. 0QF-730297.