Comments on: Apparent Suicide on Dorland (Updated)

By: Torn tin

Torn tin — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 09:19:04 +0000

Anon2, I know you mean well, but her life was her own, she did not live it to be used as a statistic. Also, the general topic of suicide is frequentlly discussed in the media, it is not the big secret of 50 years ago. However, just as every death by car accident is not reported, neither is every suicide. Moreover, as others have noted specific cases of suicide are generally not reported because such reports often encourage other troubled individuals to make a copycat attempt.

She was loved and she was a loving person who accomplished many good things during her life. She was not clinically depressed. She struggled for several years with a different sort of severe mental illness, and despite treatment efforts and tremendous support from her family and friends, eventually she died from her illness. It was not a situation where she would have benefited from being referred to a telephone hotline.

She was a beautiful person, and I believe she is now a beautiful spirit living in a better place.

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 16:57:07 +0000

I was Colleens hairdresser of 10 years. We had only good times togeather and enjoyed each others company. I was honored to cut her hair and be apart of her life. We had a lot of changes from short to long to long to short over the years, along with amazing conversation. I will miss seeing her and cutting her incredible hair. My condolences to all of her loved ones. May she rest in peace.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 21:58:27 +0000

Colleen and I were close friends when we both lived in Santa Cruz. We laughed a lot together. She had some great parties at her place in S.F. We’ve only visited each other a few times in the past 10 years. She was at my wedding celebration and I will cherish her memory. This is very sad news as I was just thinking I should give her a call.

By: Renee

Renee — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:48:49 +0000

Colleen and I played together as children – we had a blast with my 1980′s tape recorder impersonating celebrities and interviewing them, taking turns being “Lily Poonsnicker”, the interviewer. We would laugh so hard! I reconnected with her again when she lived in Santa Cruz for a few years. But I’d lost touch since then. I’m so, so sad to hear about this and will miss her. Sending love to her and the family.

By: Caren Clarke

Caren Clarke — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:05:15 +0000

When I read these comments, I feel love, love…pure love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

By: Julie D L

Julie D L — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 05:09:16 +0000

I worked with Colleen and only knew her to be intelligent, warm and sweet. I never knew that she was suffering – she never let it show. I will always remember one moment I had with her. I was 8 months pregnant with my daughter this past June. We passed each other in the hallway and stopped to chat. She asked me if she could touch my belly and I said, “Of course!” When she did, I felt two little light taps. It was different than anything I’ve felt before – it made me smile. So I went back to my desk and I e-mailed her. She said that she heard my little one and that she already knows how lucky she is to have such loving parents. She asked if I could bring her by to meet her. I was so touched that I printed out the e-mail and kept it. Then I left my job. I learned about what happened on Monday, my daughter was born Wednesday, the 25th. I regret that my daughter won’t get to meet her. I’ve thought a lot about Colleen and hope that she has now turned into an angel.

By: SC

SC — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:36:55 +0000

I am Colleen’s mother. You have NO idea how much your posts mean to me and her father. It is just so very heartwarming and comforting to know how many were impacted by her caring heart and loving nature. Please keep them coming!

By: Caren Clarke

Caren Clarke — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 19:38:37 +0000

JC,
Colleen did not agree with social network, she had no part of facebook and she did not participate in any public forums. I think your idea is with beautiful intent, out of respect for Colleen facebook is not the way to celebrate her life. I am sure our family will find another way to continue a way to honor Colleen’s life and I am deeply touched by all the posts and comments for ideas and to express love for her.

By: Carole Scagnetti

Carole Scagnetti — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 18:39:22 +0000

Caren,

Colleen was such a special human being, her choice so incongruous with the woman we knew, that she has not left our thoughts and hearts since we learned of her passing a week ago. Our hearts go out to you and your family and to all of Colleen’s close friends and relatives. Colleen worked for my wife for several years. We spoke often, shared thoughts about Buddhism, art and enjoyed social times away from the job. After Terry left the firm, we saw Colleen less frequently, but always found that same joy of seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, meeting her friends and hearing about what she was up to. I hope that there will be a way for those who love Colleen to come together and share all that was so wonderful about her. Her final message, that human suffering can be unbearable, reminds us that reaching out to those who suffer is the meaningful response. I honor you commitment in that regard and hope that you and your family find strength and healing there.

By: JC

JC — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 02:01:52 +0000

Caren,
Have you and the family considered creating a Facebook memorial page? It seems there are a lot of people who would like to share memories of Colleen. We did this for someone we lost a few years ago and it was really positive and sometimes very amusing. It also gave us a place to announce a public celebration of his life. I’d like to see some of her art! As always, you have our best wishes and heartfelt condolences.