Colleen Evertje Dittman

MADISON - Colleen Dittman finished her battle with cancer on February 12, 2007, however, she passes on knowing that others will continue the fight. Colleen was born on May 31, 1953, in Knoxville, Tenn., to Evertye and Emil Dittman. The family moved to Madison in 1962. Colleen graduated from Madison West High School, and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a B.S. in occupational therapy. Colleen began her career as an O.T. in New York City working in the school system and inpatient rehabilitation care. Unfortunately, her professional career was cut short following an early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Upon moving to Florida in the 1990's, Colleen became an activist for the handicapped and disabled. Colleen returned to live in Madison in 2001, and she continued to be an advocate for accessibility for all. In the past few years, she has worked at the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association, and has been an active member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Madison. Colleen was given huge obstacles in her life, but she managed them with a sense of determination that seemed limitless. Colleen is survived by her mother, Evertye Dittman of Madison WI, and her sisters Margaret Dittman of Madison, Lucille (Stanley) Brown of Madison, Barbara (Daniel) Bloxham of Tucson AZ, and Denise Karns (Daniel Cash) of Madison, and her nieces and nephews Michelle (John) Nephew, Craig (Lori) Brown, Wendy (Andrew) Wyman, Steven Bloxham, and Christopher Bloxham. She is preceded in death by her father Emil Dittman, and nephew, James Bloxham. Memorial services will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 11, 2007 at St. Peter Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1120 James Drive Suite A, Hartland WI 53029, or to the UW Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Rm. K4/658, Madison WI 53792.