Those involved with the University of South Dakota are still coming to terms with the loss of Colette Abbott. The wife of U-S-D President Jim Abbott died suddenly Wednesday, at age 59. One of many people close to the university’s First Lady is Jack Marsh, former executive director of the Freedom Forum at U-S-D.
Marsh says, “Colette could light up a room with her mere presence—whether it was a board room, a dining room, a conference hall, or even a big sports facility like the Dakota Dome. She was a wonderful, loving mother to her three daughters; an enthusiastic and dedicated grandmother, who so enjoyed the blessings of her two young grandchildren.
"She is treasured as a friend, respected as an involved citizen, and certainly impactful as the great First Lady of the University of South Dakota.”
Marsh says the Abbotts were a terrific couple in life—he adds he never heard Colette Abbott say anything bad about anyone. U-S-D’s Media Relations Office says a memorial service is set for Monday morning at 11 A-M at Slagle Hall on campus. The Abbott family will hold an open house Sunday afternoon from two until five p-m.