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Inge Edgard Bertha Verhaegen

1966 - 2020

Inge Edgard Bertha Verhaegen obituary, 1966-2020, Durango, CO

BORN

1966

DIED

2020

Inge Verhaegen Obituary

"Live the life you love, love the life you live."

Inge lived life out loud. She was fiercely loyal, principled, kind and passionate.Her family ALWAYS came first, yet she still had time to make everyone else in her life feel important as well.
Inge Edgard Bertha Verhaegen was born in Wilrijk, Belgium, to Willy & Chris Verhaegen on August 22, 1966. She lived each of her 53 years fully, intentionally and generously. She was an avid traveler and journeyed to all corners of the earth to take in its beauty, visiting many countries on six continents. She loved hiking, being outdoors and Belgian chocolate.
She was an accomplished gymnast, pharmacist, a beautiful skier (alpine, Nordic and telemark), hockey player, musician, gift giver and bargain hunter, and she was fluent in Flemish, English, French, Inge-lish, and speaking her mind. But most importantly, she was a devoted mother to her daughter Edde and son Braden; steadfast partner to the love of her life, husband Brad; loving daughter, sister, aunt, niece and cousin; and a friend to everyone she met.
She received her associates degree from Marymount California University and her pharmacy degree from University of Colorado Boulder where she met Brad, whom she married in Antwerp on May 31, 1997, in a celebration fit for Belgian royalty. She worked as an inpatient pharmacist at Vail Valley Medical Center for 10 years before helping to establish the inpatient pharmacy at Animas Surgical Hospital.
Inge loved to entertain and share her "gezellige" home-as long as you removed your shoes! Schnikes. She cherished sunsets sipping a glass of wine or a Stella surrounded by beautiful hummingbirds and lush views of the Animas Valley. Her ridiculously radiant smile was infectious, her humor hilariously unbridled, and she looked equally fabulous in sandals and socks as she did in haute couture. Inge was truly the life of the party; when she arrived-late-the air became a little more electric.
She humbly rode the Iron Horse bike race at her friends' pace instead of at the speed in which her stunningly superior physique could have landed her in Silverton before the train. She could climb the Sky Steps in a couple of minutes, but found much more value in enjoying the company of whomever was stepping with her. She was a force, her spirit incredibly strong until her very last breath. She never took for granted the wonderful life she was given, and she lived it gratefully.
Inge's ferocious battle with pancreatic cancer ended on May 10, 2020, in Durango, Colorado, with her family, including her care-giving sister Karin, at her side. She is celebrated by her husband Martin Bradley Lyons, MD; children Edde Lyons and Braden Lyons; parents Willy and Christiane Verhaegen; sisters Karin and Christ'l; brothers Jan, Mark and Dave; nieces and nephews Estelle, Guillaume, Gaétan, Brian, Matthew, Chloé and Emma; parents-in-law Nancy Lyons, and Doug and Pam Lyons; and siblings-in-law Doug Jr (Sheri) and Stan (Nicole). In lieu of flowers, please do some unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in her name. There will be a Celebration of Life to honor the spirit of our Belgian Sunflower as soon as gatherings large enough are permitted again-and if it's outdoors, you can keep your shoes on. Or better yet, take them off and dance.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pine River Times on May 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Inge Verhaegen

Not sure what to say?





Bret Hann

May 10, 2022

Like sunshine, Inge shed brilliant light on everyone she met. Her smile radiated warmth and life onto every place she visited. Two years ago, the sun on lost one of its brightest rays; our world has been just a bit less sunny without Inge´s boundless effervescence. Miss you dearly every day.

Deborah Lux Harriman

July 29, 2020

although I did not know her, I know her husband . He always had a sparkle in his eye when speaking g of her and the children they are so proud of.
Inge, your spirit guide you to enlightenment. .

Kathleen Spillane

June 4, 2020

It will be 28 years since I last saw Inge this month. I met her in the group of friends we had in Boulder. She was- always lovely, always spirted and kind. She cracked me up with her 'Inge-lish' and much more. I was so sad before I read this obit, somehow it helped me.

Rhonda & Jeff Villlasenor

June 3, 2020

Inge was so wonderful and kind to our family. We have fun and happy memories we will always cherish. She gave me a beautiful stand for candles many years ago and I bring them out for Christmas every year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her wonderful family and friends. She was truly an angel and the heavens are very lucky to have such a beautiful soul. We love you Inge, Fly high. We will never forget you!

Hayley Dustrude

June 3, 2020

Her smile was always so big and infectious! She could turn a bad day into a fun and light one. My thoughts are with her family. This amazing, beautiful, high spirited lady will be terribly missed!

Deanna Nelson

June 3, 2020

What an awesome lady. So positive, so funny, a spark in her you couldn't ignore. The one thing she always spoke of were her beautiful children, nothing compared to them. What a beautiful love she had for her family and her friends. So sad she passed so young. I loved how she would call it how she saw it and she never made you feel dumb for asking a question. She will be missed.

Doug Fleetwood

May 30, 2020

Ive been friends with Inge since 1992 and also worked with at King Soopers pharmacy on Havana and Mississippi. She was truly a beautiful person both inside and out. I will always remember how happy she was when she told me about meeting Brad. She was over the moon in love with him and Im glad to hear they have had such a nice life together.
RIP Inge, we will always remember and love you!

Petra Hinke

May 30, 2020

A lovely tribute to a powerhouse of a woman. She truly did live life out loud. I did not have the honor of knowing Inge for very long, but I loved everything about her. Her genuineness - through and through. Her warmth. Her humor. Her incredible smile. Her conviction. Her goofiness. Her strength and courage. I am so sad that she is gone, way too soon. But I think of her every time I see a hummingbird. And I like to think that she is keeping an eye on all of us from the stars above. Be at peace Inge.

Diane Kowalsky

May 28, 2020

We met during the remodling of their home. Her vivacious personality was amazing. The day was always brighter when we met with her. Or sincere condolences to Brad & his family.
Ray & Diane Kowalsky
(formally, Pine River Glass)

Cheryl

May 27, 2020

I haven't seen Inge for about 25 years. We worked together at King Soopers pharmacy in Aurora where I grew up. I was shocked to hear the news as she was always so athletic and healthy. A funny story I still remember is we had a girls night at her apartment and was getting ready to go to a party. I asked if I could put some makeup on her and do her hair. Well, if you all know Inge, she hated wearing makeup and I knew she wouldn't want much, so I barely put a few strokes of mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow. She looked gorgeous as always to me but she looked in the mirror and said I made her look like a hooker so she wiped it all off and then we went to the party. She was very funny, generous and hospitable. We should have stayed in touch after she moved away RIP Inge

Annette Zuccolillo

May 26, 2020

Inges happiness was a joy to encounter. She was an amazing woman. I am so sorry to hear of her illness and her passing. Wishing her husband, children and family, strength and peace at this difficult time.

May 26, 2020

A beautiful lady with an infectious smile! A life of the party wherever she went! She will be missed by many. My condolences Brad, Edde and Braden. Hugs to all of you. Thinking of all of you always. CJ Wise

Only took 12 years, but the Mid-Ice Crisis finally won the championship two years ago. But all 14 years (first 2 years as the Lipsticks) were a blast

Kim Cofman

May 25, 2020

Kim Cofman

May 24, 2020

Two weeks already, girlfriend. How can it be? Heartbroken and emptier. Ik hou van jou. xoxo

Ashley Rockelmann

May 24, 2020

I am sorry to hear this Brad. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

Katie Bisogno

May 23, 2020

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful being. To know Inge was to love her, from the minute I met her I thought I want to be just like this powerhouse of a woman, I feel lucky to have even been on the edges of her light. Thinking of her family knowing grief lasts as long as love does. I am so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful mother, wife and friend to all whom she loved.

Julie Korb

May 23, 2020

Inge was such a bright light in this world. Cancer is an awful disease. My heart goes out to everyone that loved her.

Nancy Eakin

May 23, 2020

I did not have the pleasure of getting to know Inge. I obviously missed a great blessing! May the Lord pour His abundant blessings and comfort to all who mourn!!

Maggie Grenier

May 23, 2020

I Feel so lucky to have known Inge in all her playfullness and joy of life. I remember a couple years ago, maybe three, Inge wanted to participate in my Sport Pump weights class at DGO Sports Club. She did not have workout clothes with her. I had an extra tennis style skirt in my locker i gave her to wear. It was not something you would ever see Inge wear, and she looked absolutley adorable in it! She was spontaneous and fun like that. Such a great spirit. She will be missed and she will always be loved.

May 22, 2020

Our deepest condolences for Brad, Edde, Braden and all of Inge's family and friends. Sending lots of love and prayers. We have fun memories with Inge at hockey. She was a fun and generous person.
Love,
The Killinen Family

Donna Chase

May 22, 2020

Another Courage classic one

Gretchen Dubit

May 20, 2020

At the Courage Classic

Gretchen Dubit

May 20, 2020

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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