Deanna R. Colfels

Albany - Deanna R. Colfels, born in Albany on November 16, 1951, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021. She was the eldest child of John E. Roe and Joy M. Roe. Deanna graduated from Marylrose Academy in 1970, and later from the Junior College of Albany. She had a long career in administrative support with the NYS Department of Tax and Finance and the Empire State Development Corporation. Helping others and being part of a team were in Deanna’s nature. Until very recently, she used her boundless creativity, energy, and knowledge to manage and teach at the Albany Sewing Machine Center. She inherited her lifelong passion for sewing from her mother and, in later life, Deanna became an accomplished quilter. Her passion for creating beautiful things—made with love—was infectious. She also loved cake. Deanna was a tireless volunteer for Community Caregivers of Albany County and Becky’s House at St Peter’s Hospital. She was also an instrumental part of Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless’ annual fundraiser, A Taste of Albany. She was a 2019 recipient of the Albany County Executive’s Volunteer of the Year Award for her commitment to causes that benefitted the community. Deanna is survived by her daughters Anna Colfels of Albany and Lisa Manchester (Owen Herne) of Buffalo. She was YaYa to one grandchild, her precious Archer. She was the big sister and always the boss of Michael Roe of Albany, Kevin Roe (Kathy) of Colonie, Maryann Tucker (Fritz Grell) of Stuart, Florida, Brian Roe (Kellie) of Albany, and John Roe (Dolores) of Delmar, and eight nieces and nephews. The family thanks all those who gave their unwavering encouragement and support during Deanna’s 12-year battle with pancreatic cancer, especially Stephen Colfels of Glenmont and Nancy Catalano Connelly of Sterling, Virginia. Cancer knocked her down over and over, yet she got up each time, refusing to let cancer win. The family also thanks Dr. Jason Heckman and the team at St. Peter’s Cancer Care Center, and the Albany County Community Hospice program. Donations maybe be made to Pancreatic Action Network at www.pancan.org Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Deanna’s family on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. A Memorial Service honoring her life will immediately follow at 11:30 am. Please only use the parking lot entrance to the funeral home. Unvaccinated people must wear masks and practice social distancing. To leave a message for Deanna’s family on their guestbook, obtain directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Deanna R. Colfels

November 16, 1951 - November 11, 2021