12 May Obituary: Deborah Bodmer, DVM
CVMA member and Power of 10 alumni, Debbie Bodmer, DVM, passed away on May 2, 2022.
Obituary
We are heartbroken to announce the death of Deborah Donohue Bodmer on May 2, 2022, at age 59, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Debbie was an exceptional soul, who was an inexhaustible fount of much of the family knowledge and stories, which she’d gladly share over a coffee after baking all night for company. She held every relationship as important, making sure that all felt a deep sense of belonging. She was a beacon of positivity and integrity, and brightened the room with her warmth and encouragement.
Born and raised in New York, she later attended M.I.T. where she met the love of her life, Jim. They settled in Colorado in 1992 where Debbie homeschooled her children for many years.
Debbie loved to create, from weaving, spinning and knitting to baking, writing and gardening. She often competed with dear friends in Sheep to Shawl competitions. After many years of volunteering at the Wildlife Refuge and Longmont Humane Society, she achieved her life-long dream of becoming a veterinarian at the age of 49. She enjoyed her career and was known as a valued leader and teacher in her field, which led to many friendships. She was fascinated with historical sites, natural beauty, and loved to travel. She always had more to offer, a story for every ear, a shoulder for every tear and a smile for the trials of each new day.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 38 years, Jim; her children Rachel, Jacob (Jenna), Nick (Allie) and Zoe; grandchildren Gavin, Lily, Finnegan, Vivian and one to come (9/2022). Also left behind is her mother Eleanor and father Barry, along with her siblings Ellie (John), Barry (Lynn), Michael, Patrick (Kristy), and Kim (Steve).
A Celebration of Life for Deborah will be held Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Howe Mortuary Chapel, 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501. A reception will follow at the funeral home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Bodmer family.
Link to obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/longmont-co/deborah-bodmer-10737825
Below is a tribute to Debbie, written by her Power of 10 facilitator Dr. H. Howells:
Debbie was truly a light in our world, and she spread warmth and love everywhere she went. She came into our Power of Ten community later in her career in veterinary medicine, wondering what she would learn, but more importantly to her, wondering what her legacy would be in our profession. The way she approached this question both humbled and inspired me. When she told her story, her soft-spoken voice revealed a quiet and unshakeable strength. What she weathered was no small feat – but rather than hardening to the world, she used each challenge she faced to grow MORE gentle, compassionate, understanding and kind.
She was so grateful to share her life with you, and she was so, so, SO in love and awestruck by the miracle in each of her grandchildren. I know getting to hold and love them was one of the greatest joys of her life.
As a parting gift to all of us in Power of Ten, she knitted each of us a handmade hat. I treasure mine, and I wear it out on snowy runs when the whole world is quiet and I want to feel embraced in warmth.
Warmth is Debbie’s legacy. And love.
I want you to know that Debbie will always stay unforgettable, and she touched so many hearts. My life is better because she was in it. I am so sad to hear of her death, and I am hoping you can feel my heart wrapped around you now.