More than 200 students, faculty, staff and friends of Kathleen “Kait” Buckley came together last week at the Cable Center to remember and honor her life.

Buckley, who was a full-time assistant director at the Department of Residence, was found dead at her on-campus apartment Jan. 26. Police said the death was caused by an overdose.

During the memorial service, presided by Pastor Hank Corcoran of the Lutheran Campus Ministry, several of Buckley’s colleagues and friends shared their memories of her.

However, they were still trying to understand why she committed suicide.

Her friends said they had no indication she was depressed.

“I’ve gone through all the emotions,” said Kate Bidstrup, a staff member, “and I’m still in disbelief.”

R. Mark Miles, another assistant director, said he believed Buckley’s suicide “wasn’t a planned event but something she got wrapped up in during the moment.”

At the service, Kristin Olson, a long-time friend, read a passage called “How to be an Artist” by Sark, one of Buckley’s favorite poets.

Miles read a letter written by Buckley’s Miles read a letter written by Buckley’s younger sister about her death. In addition, a video showed Buckley on trips and with her family and friends.

In addition to being a residence halls staff member, Buckley was also a doctoral candidate at the College of Education, pursuing a degree in higher education with an adult studies cognate.

At DU, Buckley directed a number of programs including the Residence Hall Association (RHA), leadership teams, programs committee and was assistant director of Centennial Halls and Towers.

Staff members at the Department of Residence said they will most remember her for her vibrancy, spirit and distinct laugh.

“She had such a flare for style,” Bidstrup said, “and she was always smiling and laughing. You could hear her laugh half way across the campus.”

Other staff members recalled how Buckley was a “dessert queen” and made “the best” brownies. One recited some “off-the-wall” things Buckley would utter.

Although Miles only knew Buckley for about a year and a half, he felt like “they grew up together” into adulthood.

“Our paths crossed so many intersections,” Miles said. “We worked together. We were in the Ph.D. program together and we lived in the same apartment complex. We were complete opposites, but we complimented each other very well.”

Miles said his fondest memory of Buckley was a trip they took together to Belize and Guatemala.

“It was the first time she had been out of the country,” he said. “But she recently had ankle surgery, so I wasn’t sure if she’d be able to get around. I was so proud of her when she climbed all the steps to this pyramid, and she was so proud of herself too.”