Deborah Choi Bartlett
May 9, 1960 - December 19, 2020
Deborah “Deb” Choi Bartlett, 60, died suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Salt Lake City, UT on December 19, 2020 after a brief illness. Born and raised in Lancaster, PA, she was the daughter of the late Oong and Bertha (Benham) Choi. She was the widow of Henry Hall Bartlett, with whom she shared 16 years of marriage, before his untimely death in 2006. Many called her a kindred and generous spirit, and she leaves behind a community of family and friends who loved her fiercely. Deb radiated a zest for life and will ever be remembered for her caring kindness, vitality, wit and loyalty.
She is survived by a sister Mary Choi Smith, wife of Randall, of Wheeling, IL, a brother Jonathan Choi, husband of Ann Sheehy, of Shrewsbury, MA, nephews Joshua, Benjamin and Caleb Choi, aunts, uncles, and several cousins, with whom she remained close.
After graduating from Hempfield High School, Deb studied at Swarthmore College, earning a BA in English Literature. A gifted violinist and vocalist, Deb was a leader in orchestras, choirs and musical ensembles, at her high school and college, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, and in many community groups.
At both Hempfield and Swarthmore Deb developed life-long friendships with her classmates and fellow musicians, and maintained warm connections with her Hempfield teachers and Swarthmore professors. Her comfortable style and humor brought people together, and her work ethic and commitment to excellence made her a sought-after collaborator and mentor throughout her life.
Deb had a long and rewarding career writing in the commercial real estate industry, at Trammell Crow, Cassidy Turley, CB Richard Ellis, and finally as a Senior Vice President at Cushman Wakefield, which involved oversight of national and international projects. Upon her move to Salt Lake City, she was employed by WeWork, and after retirement she continued as a freelance consultant. Deb was a trusted business advisor and served on the National Novelty Brush Co. Board of Directors.
Deb met her husband “Hank” through a shared interest in their mutual love of music and active adventure travel. They were a true Renaissance couple. After their marriage, Deb joined Hank’s accomplished professional band, Night Life, and performed extensively at corporate events and private celebrations throughout the DC area for 15 years. Deb was additionally active in her church, Christ Church Parish Kensington, and took special delight in singing with the Choir for many years.
She was a compassionate and faithful caregiver to Hank when their lives were upended by his cancer diagnosis. After his passing, Deb once again stepped up as caregiver to her beloved parents, to ensure their wellbeing in their final years.
After this season of loss, Deb navigated a brave new direction for her life. She embraced a cross-country move to Utah and pursued her drive for adventure. Deb’s favorite place in the world was the mountains and she shared her passion for exploring, hiking, and skiing in the mountains with all via her photography and on Facebook. She recently completed a hiking tour with friends, in Zion NP, Bryce NP, and the slot canyons of the Grand Staircase/Escalante region. Deb had always traveled widely throughout her life to enjoy skiing and hiking with friends, and she continued to seek nature, adventure and elevation to stir her soul — even trying sky-diving.
Deb enthusiastically enjoyed her new Salt Lake City community, making new friends and exploring new hobbies. She continued to live a life of faith and service, and became a devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, serving in the Choir and as a Cantor. She joined a quilting group and soon forged an informal tribe of skiing and hiking buddies, for weekly outings to the mountains. She loved cooking, and delighted in sharing favorite Korean dishes with guests. Her warm hospitality welcomed friends, new and old, as well as family from across the country, to visit her new Utah home.
All who knew Deb will miss her vibrant laughter, her joie de vivre, radiant smile and huge heart for others. As Deb’s friend Mary recently reflected, “Each friend represents a world in us” (Anais Nin). For Deb’s many soulmates, that world of Deb’s shared friendship and family bonds sustained and deeply touched our lives.
A memorial service to celebrate Deb’s life will be held virtually on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 9 AM MST. (Watch Service above link). The Very Rev. Tyler B. Doherty of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Salt Lake City, will officiate.
In keeping with Deb’s servant heart and in lieu of flowers, please direct any memorial contributions to www.FeedingAmerica.org. Family and friends are encouraged to share a favorite memory or photo of Deb on this website. Also feel free to reach out to Deb's sister Mary at marychoismith@runbox.com.
In Loving Memory
Deb will forever remain with me as I hike because she was rapturously in love with our mountains, wildflowers, trees, and sky, and would never cease to "repeat the sounding joy of heaven and nature singing" as we shared time and stories outdoors. She gave me the priceless and enduring gift of new eyes.
I went to high school with Debbie. She was so smart and talented. I sat next to her in a singing class and I always remember her beautiful singing voice. She had such a zest for life. I'm so sorry she was taken far too soon. Deepest sympathy and condolences to her family and loved ones.
Deb’s goofy sense of humor and love for adventure is what warms my soul when remembering my dear beloved cousin. Who else responds with “Let’s do it!” when the idea of hiking in the Swiss Alps was but a dream? She brightened the day with the best dimpled smile and generous heart that never stopped giving. She taught me to laugh first at myself as she so easily poked fun at her own foibles and mishaps. This broken heart will slowly heal in knowing that she is with Uncle Oong, Aunt Bertha and the love of her life, Hank. We love you, Mary, Jonathan, Randy, Anne, Josh, Ben, and Caleb.
I also went to Hempfield High School with Debbie. I remember her bubbly personality, spending time with friends, and that she was always a top student in all of our classes. I am sorry to hear of her passing so young. My thoughts and prayers are with her whole family.
My friendship with Deb started shortly after she moved to Salt Lake City. We met on a hike through a mutual friend. Besides bringing her humor and laughter on our weekly hikes, she also brought an awe that taught me to look differently at the Wasatch Mountains. I will be forever thankful for this new perspective. Deb loved being in the out-of-doors, but from all the stories she shared, it was obvious she loved connection with others. Deb cherished her family and friends. Deb, I’ll miss our time together. I will think of you often. Eating fish tacos in the foothills while looking at the city lights will never be the same.
Quite a shock to suddenly lose a wonderful former colleague and a longtime friend. Life will not be the same without our lively conversations, your advise, and your vibrant laughter - Deb you will be greatly missed.
Your departure came as a shock to all of us. You will be sorely missed! Whenever I send it on the hills of Utah, it will be in your dedication for your love of skiing. I’m so happy to have gotten to carve a day with you at Alta in February 2020. It was a day to remember since it was my first time at Alta. Our family misses you and our hearts go out to Mary, Jonathan, Randy, Anne, nephews and family. It’s a sad day but we know you’re in a good place rejoined in a family reunion. XOXO!
Loosing my cousin Debbie was unthinkable and I still can’t believe it. I just have to cling on God’s promise that we will join in spirit one day with Uncle Oong, Aunt Bertha, Hank and Debbie. In this time of sorrow, God is with us and give us comfort and hope. I am going to miss Debbie’s goofy smile and her lovely voice of singing Hymns. In Christ, Chan and Haeyoun Choi Centreville, VA
I was so saddened to hear of Deb's passing. I worked for her many years ago at Trammell Crow Company, and was very glad to connect with her as a friend years later on social media. Deb was a great boss and mentor. I was mortified when, on my very first day at work, I tripped and spilled hot coffee all over her. She took the incident absolutely in stride and continued with her day as if nothing had happened. My condolences to Deb's family and friends on your loss of a wonderful lady.
I am so very sorry to hear about Deb’s passing. Deb was a wonderful colleague of mine from our Trammell Crow days through our Cushman days. She was such a smart and talented colleague, always willing to help with a project and always there for a good laugh. We connected in person while at a company conference in Colorado, she wasn’t sure she should, but we made her an honorary Bostonian so she agreed to stay at our table rather then the DC table. We had many good laughs that night. Deb will be missed by so many. May she Rest In Peace.
I knew Deb for many many years in the DC CRE world. We had many lunches together. She was always brilliant, funny and kind. I’m so so sorry to hear of her passing.
Our condolences to Deb's family and friends. She was a talented alto and sang with the Utah Sacred Harp singers. I usually sat near her and she was a strong singer. We sang several times a month at our home, at All Saints, at St. Mark's and even at the Interfaith singing in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. We will miss her smile and enthusiastic voice. She was cheerful and kind to everyone. She can now sing with the heavenly choirs.
I was so sorry to hear about Deb's passing, and extend my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. I worked with Deb in the Washington commercial real estate world, and joined her on some NIH/Washington Ski Club trips. Deb's energy and warmth and levity will be remembered and missed.
My sister Bertha brought the children to Dallas when Debbie was about 4. I remember stopping at the library on the way home from school to check out books to read to Deb. Mary and Jon.
continue,, When my daughter moved to Maryland I went up to help with her new son/ Her apartment was very small so Debbie invited me to spend the nights with her. I really enjoyed that time with Debbie. She took mw to see me several places in DC. She knew so much about the area. enjoyed her tour of the CherryBlossom display. Debbie joined us in Georgia for our son's wedding. She joined into all the fun and added greatly to the festive atmosphere. Although we did not get tp see her as often as we would like we have fond memories of time spent with her and will miss her messages on facebook with the adventurqus photos. We are so glad she got to move to Utah to have ski trips with her friends
I worked with Deb at Trammell Crow many years ago-a sweet soul- my condolences to the family
When Deb moved to Salt Lake City, she moved in next door to us, and we were thrilled to get such a lovely neighbor. She was so kind, smart, and quick to make or laugh at a joke. She would often mention her hiking and skiing adventures, and it was clear she was happiest in the mountains. Having only known her a short time, it was clear she was warm and wonderful. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
In Loving Memory
