C. Suzanne Colombe

C. Suzanne Colombe, Carolyn Suzanne “Suzie” Colombe, of Carmel, quietly passed away in the early morning of Friday, February 23, 2024, at the age of 89. Born in Bloomington, Indiana on February 13, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Rufus T. Keck and Marie (Priest) Keck. Suzanne’s journey was one marked by dedication and achievement. She graduated from University High School in her hometown of Bloomington and went on to excel at Indiana University, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During her college years, she became a proud member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, where she forged a lifelong friendship with Sylvia Sparks Gormley. Her commitment to education led Suzanne to begin a career as a public-school teacher in the Business Education Department at Washington High School in Indianapolis, where she taught classes in business and typing. However, it was on March 31, 1961, that Suzanne embarked on a new chapter when she married the love of her life, John Colombe, a native of Wisconsin. Together, they shared decades of love and partnership until John’s passing in 2010. In 1973, Suzanne and her husband John ventured into entrepreneurship, purchasing and operating one of the pioneer Quick Printing Franchises, Insty-Prints. Suzanne’s effective management skills and John’s full-time involvement after retiring from Burlington Industries in 1976 allowed the business to thrive and expand to three additional locations. Suzanne’s leadership and dedication were recognized in 1991 when she was honored as “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” by Insty-Prints, Inc. The couple retired in 1992, selling the business to Michael and Joel O’Brien, also fellow natives of Wisconsin. Suzanne established enduring benchmarks for quality that endure within the business to this day. After retiring, Suzanne enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading and quilting with her sister, Wilma Nell Jacobs (J. Phillip Jacobs) who preceded her in death, and traveling with her husband John. Suzanne is survived by her three children, Christopher Colombe, Mindy Colombe, Michael (Tiffany) Colombe; and grandson, Holden Colombe. In accordance with Suzanne’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Contributions in her memory may be made to Progress House and/or Wheeler Mission Ministries. Final arrangements and care have been entrusted to Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel. The memory of Suzanne will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Tributes

C. Suzanne Colombe

February 13, 1935 - February 23, 2024