Colleen Braun Behrman

Beloved mother and family member Colleen Braun Behrman, 43, died in La Canada on January 5, 2011. Colleen was undergoing successful treatment for cancer but succumbed to pneumonia.

Colleen was a brilliant woman who treasured life and met all its challenges – even illness – with laughter and a beautiful, unforgettable smile. She loved travel, exercise and was an avid baker. She most cherished the time spent with her children, family and friends. In the community Colleen will be forever loved and remembered for her positive spirit, unending generosity and infinite energy.

Colleen was raised in La Canada Flintridge. After graduating from LCHS in 1985, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University and began her career as a technology executive.

In her mid 20s Colleen co-founded Condol International and spent three years consulting and traveling throughout Asia Pacific, with her young daughters in tow. She opened offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Wellington and Singapore. Colleen returned home to La Canada and founded Novydia, where she directed software projects at major corporations including The Walt Disney Company.

In 2005 Colleen moved to North Carolina with her family, where she had her third child and was active in fundraising for local education.

Colleen is survived by daughters Brianne, 21, recent graduate of NYU; Cailan, 16, junior at LCHS; four-year-old son Daniel and husband Michael Behrman, of Charlotte, NC; parents Al and Toni Braun; siblings Maureen (Mark), Sharon (Aaron), Albert (Lisa), Aileen (Jon), Erin, Matthew (Hannah) and Vincent. All will miss her humor, intelligence and warm, loving heart.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Colleen Braun Memorial Fund at www.colleenbraunmemorialfund.bbnow.org.

There will be a Memorial Mass at 11:00AM on January 22 at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in La Canada Flintridge, followed by a Celebration of Her Life in the church hall.