Memorial Fund Set Up for Dr. Martha Kolbe

Many were saddened last week as we received the news of the passing of Dr. Martha Kolbe, a long time Educational Consultant from Richmond, Virginia. (Obituary to be found at the bottom of this article.) This week, we have shared our favorite "Martha stories", cherishing the time spent with her. Dr. Kolbe's life was dedicated to serving a countless number of children and families, continuing to follow them into adulthood. It is speculated that she was likely serving a third generation of families in the Richmond area.

Since this the announcement of her death, there have been many conversations surrounding what to do to honor Dr. Kolbe. Her obituary suggested that her wish was for people to donate to a charity of their choice.

Thus, Tom Leahy of Beacon Tree Foundation has set up a fund in her name. Beacon Tree was founded after Tom worked with Dr. Kolbe to help his own family. I have both the pleasure and privilege to serve with Dr. Kolbe on the Board of Beacon Tree Foundation.

Tom was inspired by her dedication to helping children and greatly appreciated her care and attention. He also has first hand experience of the tremendous financial impact therapeutic placement can have upon a family. Beacon Tree's mission is to providing education and financial resources to families whose children are struggling with mental health issues, creating hope for their futures. The Board is comprised of parents who have had children in therapeutic treatment, program representatives and community leaders in Richmond.

While there are many fine foundations available, I cannot imagine one more suited to those of us in the therapeutic school network, as Dr. Kolbe was personally involved in this organization. If you would like to leave a gift in Dr. Kolbe's honor, please visit the website at www.beacontree.org or call Tom Leahy at 800-414-6427.

From the Richmond Times Dispatch, February 9, 2014

KOLBE, Dr. Martha Emily, of Richmond, age 79, died February 3, 2014. She was the daughter of John George Kolbe and Ruby Penick Kolbe. Ms. Kolbe graduated from St. Catherine's School, Mary Baldwin College and received her Ph.D. in Education from The University of Virginia. She spent her entire adult life in the field of education, first teaching at Laburnum Elementary and Collegiate School before opening her own business, Academic Advisors. She was predeceased by her brothers, Henry P. Kolbe and Junius A. Kolbe. Survivors include her sister- in-law, Anne B. Kolbe of Richmond; and her nephews and nieces, John Christian Kolbe of Richmond, Cynthia W. Kolbe of Alexandria, Robert Carter Kolbe of White Stone, Teresa A. Kolbe-Houff of Harrisonburg and Peter Anderson Kolbe of Raleigh, N.C. There will be a private burial at Hollywood Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to a charity of your choice.