Seyhan T. Dwelis

Seyhan Tahire Dwelis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away on Thursday, August 18th, 2011. Through it all, she carried herself with dignity, wisdom, and beauty. Seyhan was born in Balikesir, Turkey on March 5th, 1945, and first came to America in the 1950's with her father, Cezmi Berktin, who was Cultural Attaché to the United States. She returned permanently in 1963 and became an American citizen in 1968. In December of 1969, Seyhan and Alex began a love affair. A love affair with a catch: six children. She wrapped her arms around this new family, a mix of his and hers, and emerged Mom; forever shaping each of our lives with her love.

Our first move as a family was to Colorado Springs in 1972. Here she blossomed, improving herself and the world which surrounded her. She graduated with the degree of Master of Arts, Anthropology from the University of Colorado, became an archeologist, a curator, and professor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. In 1981, she revisited Turkey, uniting her past with the present.

She will be deeply missed by her soul mate, Alex; her children, Alec and Jennifer, Leah Rae and Chris, Mark and Cindy, John and Shelly, Karen, Denis and Monica; her thirteen grandchildren, Jolene, Leslie, Cassidy, Alexa, John Thomas, Jeff, Kristi, Jordan, Dawn, Jasmine, Christina, Jessica, and David; five great-grandchildren, Baby Seyhan, Alexia, Zoe, Trevor, and Ellie; and many dear friends.

Her family and friends stand in admiration and gratitude for all the love, guidance, and grace she brought to our lives. She remains forever strong, spiritual, kind, brave, caring, elegant, funny, intelligent, and beautiful.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 26, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 S. Hancock Avenue in Colorado Springs.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care @www.pikespeakhospice.org in the name of Seyhan Dwelis.