Delzia Jolene Coombs Pavlovsky, known throughout her life as “Jolene”, peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father on July 26, 2026, at her longtime residence surrounded by the love and comfort of her family and friends.

Jolene was born in Alamosa, Colorado on November 13, 1940, to Warren and Edna Coombs. She was named after her grandmother, Delzia Geneva Langston, a name she carried with pride and later passed on to one of her daughters.

Jolene graduated from Adams State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Secondary Education and Business. She later earned master’s degrees in Secondary Education and Music. One of her proudest college memories was marching in the 1961 Tournament of Roses Parade as a member of the Adams State band. Her lifelong dedication to education and the lasting impact she made on generations of students were later recognized through her induction into the Adams State University Teacher Hall of Fame in 2016.

After seeing her education, Jolene loved to travel and was always up for an adventurous road trip, especially in her Volkswagen Bug.

Jolene began her teaching career in Cheraw, and La Veta, Colorado. During those early years, she met the love of her life, Joe Pavlovsky. They married and returned to the San Luis Valley. Although Jolene worked briefly for the Town of Center, teaching was her true calling. She spent the next twenty-eight years at Sangre de Cristo Schools, teaching business, band, choir, and music to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She directed countless concerts, choirs, and musicals. She prepared students for honor bands, All-State competitions, and other performances. To her students, she was much more than a teacher; she was a mentor, encourager, chauffeur, and champion.

Music was one of Jolene’s greatest passions. She was a member of the Pueblo Symphony and the Colorado Music Educators Association. During her years at Sangre de Cristo Schools, her band was invited to perform at the Colorado Music Educators Convention at The Broadmoor.

Her love of music continued long after retirement. She played with the San Luis Valley Community Band, often performing alongside former students and fellow educators. She also shared her passion for music with her family through sing-alongs around the piano, impromptu living room bands, and teaching three generations to play the piano—her daughter Delzia, grandson Tylen, and, most recently, her great-granddaughter, Khaleah.

Jolene was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her testimony of Jesus Christ was quiet but unwavering. She lived her faith through kindness, compassion, forgiveness, service, and unconditional love.

In her final months, Jolene quietly fought a courageous battle with cancer. Few people understood the depth of her struggle because she rarely complained. She continued to choose gratitude, faith, and joy. Her strength came from her testimony of Jesus Christ, her love for her family, and her belief that families are eternal.

Jolene treasured her family. She made each person feel that they held a special place in her heart—because they truly did.

Jolene is survived by her children, Barbara (Steve) Roueche, Jackie Muldoon, Joe (Donna) Pavlovsky, Tom (Marcella) Pavlovsky, and Delzia (Tom) Worley; her twenty-six grandchildren and thirty-four great-grandchildren; her brother, Larry Coombs; her sisters, Dorene (Tom) Washington and Roberta (Floyd) Faucette; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, former students, and colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Pavlovsky, whom she missed dearly for more than fifty years; her parents, Warren and Edna Coombs; her brother, Robert “Jason” Coombs; her sister-in-law, Janice Coombs; her son-in-law, Pat Muldoon; and her grandson, Patrick Muldoon.

Mom taught us that faith is quiet, love is shown through actions, music heals the soul, and family is forever. Though she will be deeply missed, we find peace in knowing she has been joyfully reunited with her beloved Joe and those who went before her. We can only imagine the beautiful music that welcomed her home.

Memorial donations in Jolene’s honor may be made to Adams State University at:

https://www.adams.edu/foundation/online-donation/

Please include “In memory of Jolene Pavlovsky” in the comment box.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Family Mortuary.

A viewing will be held Sunday, August 2, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 State Ave., Alamosa.

Services will be held Monday, August 3, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 716 Broadway St., La Jara. A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sanford Cemetery.

A Zoom link will be provided at a later date.