Happy Birthday Col!

Hi Colleen, My wife passed on June 17th. Say hello for me.

My dear friend Colleen
I thought of you this morning and said to myself If Colleen was here she would definitely make me smile and laugh. I miss laughing with you

Happy Birthday Colleen!

I can’t belive time has flown by so quickly
We miss Coleen , and think of her often
What a privilege to have known her, and treasured our friendship

Happy Birthday. I still miss you!  You still make me laugh and see joy!

Hey Sis 
Thinking of your stupid jokes and great advise. I am not taking myself too seriously and I am having fun. Damn I miss you.

HEY COL, I'M STILL HERE, STILL MISSING YOU. SEEYA SOON. LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

Thanks Col. You left me better and you still make me smile!

So time marches on for the living and on days like these anniversaries it is filled with bittersweet memories of those who have passed before us. Colleen would not want us to spend one second on the bitter and instead, a fitting tribute to her life would be focusing on the sweet.

Every day is a blessing and should be treated with care and respect. This day and those that follow offer us opportunities to do good and be good. Think of the good you have received and the good you can offer this day. Focus on selfless giving.

Finally, keep the perspective that today may be the last step of your life's journey or the first step to appreciating what life has to offer.

This is the legacy that Colleen left me and my family and I thank God for bringing her in to my life.

We miss and think about Colleen often. Wow, how time marches on. I truly can't believe she's been gone so long. Her laugh was tremendous , and could fill a room with joy. Her legacy is truly her wonderful girls, who are outstanding individuals, and are living lives with their moms watchful eye and tender heart.  Steve....she's watching you too!!!! Xo
Deezala and Artoro

What did the shrink say when a man clothed only in Saran Wrap walked into his office?

Clearly I can see your nuts!

Still following orders and having fun.  Miss ya and your stupid jokes. They were always funny coming from you.

Happy Birthday Col!

Happy 62nd baby! You left us far too soon yet your legacy lives on in all of us her were graced with your love. Missing you just doesn't come close to how we feel. Looking forward to seeing you again.

Steve

I love ya Col!
You did it right. I can’t remember any of the phone calls over the last few years where we weren't laughing. No matter how serious or troubled I was when I called, you always turned it. I am still celebrating my incredible good fortune to be your brother.  I need someone to tell me really stupid jokes in a way that makes them sound good.
What did the fish say when it hit the wall….. Dam
Where did George Washington keep his armies….In his sleevies, (thank you for laughing at my inability to understand why this was funny)

I look at my daughters and I see and hear Colleen. I am surrounded by photos of Colleen and my family everyday. I am so thankful for having her in my life for over forty years. Colleen was all a bout celebrating every day of life. As my daughter Lexi said the day she died, "She's not gone dad, she is right here." And we are right here too always thinking of you, always repeating your silly expressions and always feeling your love.

I look at my daughters and I see and hear Colleen. I am surrounded by photos of Colleen and my family everyday. I am so thankful for having her in my life for over forty years. Colleen was all a bout celebrating every day of life. As my daughter Lexi said the day she died, "She's not gone dad, she is right here." And we are right here too always thinking of you, always repeating your silly expressions and always feeling your love.

Thinking about one year anniversary since Colleen left us and reading
so many deserving tributes is a challenge to my waterproof mascara!
Then I hear "How do you keep the music playing?" which Colleen and
Steve sang at our 20th anniversary church wedding and "The Lord's
Prayer" and I just lost it. But the good news is as so many have
expressed ... Colleen is an angel keeping watch over her girls and Steve ..
and the rest of us who loved and admired her warmth, talents and courage.
With love and deep gratitude,
Barb and Ralph
 xo      xo

I thought about writing something on here and what that something would be before today, and much like this time last year, the writer is at a loss for words. I guess part of it is today isn't one of the times I've missed you most. That's not meant to seem insensitive by any means, but you always taught us to look on the bright side of everything. So it's then, in my brightest moments, I have the most to say to you. When I got my first writing job. When we were exploring Costa Rica. When it was time for Wilson's wedding. When I have a great night on the ice. When I learn a new guitar song. When mike and I go on an adventure discover a new place you would love. When koda does something ridiculous. Those are the times I miss you most. Because those are the times we would talk and laugh. When you would make funny comments on Facebook. When you would use that silly Yao Ming Mona Lisa rage face in our texts.

That's when I have something to write, although, I suppose by talking about those times, I've found exactly what to say here. You always did have a way of helping me figure things out on my own long before I realized what was happening.

I know you already know this but we are all doing fine down here. Missing you, of course, every minute of every day, but we are also living the lessons that you instilled in us. I vowed at New Years last year to be making big moves in honor of you, and I think I did a pretty good job of delivering on that promise and I'll do everything in my power to make sure you have a good show to watch this coming year too. Here's to hoping the beer and cider (although not the "rather dry" stuff) is flowing freely up there, I'm sure you're partying with grandma and aunt Judy, among others. We miss ya tons, but also know you're up there looking out for us every time we see a "Ray of freaking sunshine." Love you forever-

Your favorite oldest brat,

Christie

I have been remembering so any flashbacks of you today Colleen. Remember the weekend our tag along friend Ronnie Moore washed our hair? Remember the many weekends we we're suppose to be babysitting? Remember the night we snuck out at cheerleading camp and met our boyfriends? Remember the bus trip to Missouri to meet our blind dates at Cathy's school dance? Remember your mom hauling us and everybody else around in that bus? Remember skateboarding on your front brick patio? Remember running down Rebbes lake boat dock and I grabbed pole while you jumped into water? (Sorry but I couldn't swim). Remember the snow storm on my wedding day and all the guys who volunteered to take you to the airport? Remember the watermelon at cheerleading camp? Remember all the hours you played songs on the organ in the sunken living room? Remember all the school musicals you always had major roles in? Remember the white go go boots? Remember the school dances in the old grade school building? Remember the hours folding clothes on the couch in the tv room? Thank you for being my friend and giving me all these memories. Your friend forever, Joyce

Three hundred fifty seven days isn't near enough to come to terms with the loss of my sister. the reach of her person was so long she never left my life even when we were far away. She lives inside me everyday and I hear her voice as if she was standing beside me. I love her so much I will never say good bye, I am so proud to call her family, sister , friend. I think about you everyday Colleen, well you know that. Rest well, your imprint on us will carry us far.

We need more Colleen's in this world. She enjoyed every moment of each and every day and she was an inspiration to all who knew her. What a courageous individual. Her family was so important to her. She was a gracious woman filled with love. Memory of you will always be remembered. Charlie always thought you were the best!
Charlotte Walter

I am still having a difficult time accepting that Colleen isn;t with us.. What a pity that someone so caring and beatiful has gone ahead of those of us who are old enough to go. She was too young. God bless you Colleen and God bless Steve,Christie, Alexis & Alyssa. I love you and miss you, Colleen.

I love looking at the pictures of Colleen from her youth, but the picture I hold dear is my memory of her at our countless swim meets. It was at these that I remember Colleen, standing at the top of the stands, leaning over the railing, looking down, making sure everything was in order, and smiling at the kids. (continued)

(continued) Now, I picture her much the same - leaning over the pearly gates, looking down, making sure everything is in order, and smiling at the kids. She was a dear person and will be a great angel. To Steve, Christie, Lexi, and Lyssa: Sunday will be a wonderful day. XO

When I think of Colleen, the line comes to mind, "There's nothing like a Dame!" She could pull off bawdy and feisty with class and elegance. I loved her quick wit. I remember sitting next to her at a comedy club. The comedian was okay, but Colleen's comments were hysterical. We laughed so hard, people stared at us to see what they missed. Colleen, Thank you for making me laugh till it hurt

What we know to be true about Coleen is that she was greatly loved by her family, that she had an infectious smile, and that she had a lovely, lovely voice. Gratefully her voice can still be heard. Thank you, Coleen.

Colleen had such a huge influence on me, and on the mother that I became. I had the honor of watching her raise her "babies", and lovingly watched as she nursed twins! Never has there been a woman so devoted to her family. She inspired me and so many others. I am very thankful to God for bringing her into my life and being my friend when I very much needed one. She is forever missed.

Colleen, Steve & I laughed together for a number of years. I have no idea at what. We'll do it all again some day.

Tra

Mrs. Houser met me when I was a self-righteous, know-it-all pre-teen and she loved me anyway. From rides to swim practice to just offering us advice on just about anything, Mrs. Houser was always there to share a laugh, a hug, and sometimes a shoulder to cry on. I am so thankful and appreciative for her guidance and support throughout our relationship.

Not a day goes by without my thinking of one of the sweetest and most patient people I have ever known. I miss that beautiful smile and quiet strength. As evidenced by her and Steve's beautiful daughters, Colleen's strength, beauty and creativity will live on. I wish much peace and comfort to those she loved so dearly.

"Miss me, but let me go, for this is a journey that we all must take."
We had so many "Good Times" together, listening to "Colleen and Friends". Then a wonderful, new chapter in your life, being a proud, caring, loving mother. We will miss you Colleen, but I know you are watching over us and at Peace. Our love and support to Steve.

Christie was a student in my first 6th grade class at New Hope-Solebury. I enjoyed many afternoons when the dismissal bell rang, walking to Colleen's minivan and spending time chatting about school, her wonderful children and life. I am forever grateful to have taught her twins as well. More time to spend with Colleen. I really appreciated the invitation to dinner and into her family.

Colleen and I met while following our dreams and love of music. Please turn on the sound when you visit this site. The songs I chose are my tribute to her.

Colleen was my husband's older sister. I only saw her a handfull of times, but she always made me feel loved and valued when I did see her. She had a incredible warmth about her. She was so easy to talk to and I can still hear her laugh and feel her wonderful hugs.

I knew Colleen better when we were kids, but after seeing her when she came to visit and comfort Judy, I could tell she had not changed a bit! She was full of fun, yet pragmatic; she was caring, but not smothering; she was not flashy, but she was the brightest star in a crowded room. I'll always remember her with love. Thank you, Steve, for giving her a beautiful family.

Colleen kicks ass and she lives on in the incredible kids she produced and the husband she tamed. She had a great deal with getting me under control; I owe her a lot for that. Everyone liked her laugh, make sure it’s contagious, make sure you pass it along. I miss her, and I celebrate her, and I can hear her laughing at the tears that make it hard to write this. “Silly Man” she’d say.

I had the privilege of knowing Colleen for many years. Our most unique adventure happened in Denver. It developed in the aftermath of 9/11. The three of us wound up in a minivan and drove home. We had a great experience in those few days we spent driving across the country. I will always remember that. Colleen - you are missed! Love, Ed

Colleen taught me that love was the solution to any problem that I will ever have. She was a mother, a mentor, a playmate, a confidante and an inspiration to me. The world is a little less wonderful without her, but I am a better mother, wife, and friend because of her. Aunt Colleen, your love meant everything to me <3

(continued) Be assured that we will continue to remember her in our prayers so that her soul rests now in the Lord.

Paul and Bernadine Medwick

Dear Colleen,
Your legacy stretches far and wide as I am forever changed by your example.  You showed me how to live each day fully – to live in the moment – despite great adversity.  You showed all of us what true courage and strength looks like. But most of all you showed us what is important in this life – family, friends & faith.
Rest in Peace, Colleen, Well done!!

My wife, Judith Ann passed away on June 2nd., 2011. Coleen traveled half way across the U.S. to spend time with my wife at a time when she needed family support the most. Her visit with us was memorable. She lifted our spirites and made us laugh and unbenounced to any of us was fighting cancer herself.A woman with courage, I will never forget her,and look forward to seeing her again.

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Another memory I have is when she would "facetime" the girls at school on her ipad during treatment. She was so proud of her girls. Also proud that she learned how to navigate on facebook and tag them in pics. Heaven has a really beautiful fun angel.... Lov ya Col....Patti

Page 2-She did not want to go into the haunted house and did not feel up to drinking but wanted to go for the laughs and the ride. Unfortunately, Col did not feel up to it. We talked about how much fun she was all night and wished she was there. She loved a good time and we all LOVED her. She is always in my heart.xoxoxoxo
(p.s. I cannot leave a tribute in 6 lines-lol)  Patti

I had the pleasure of meeting Colleen in a place she would rather have never come. However, we always joked that "if we met on the outside, we would be friends." Her smile and laugh lit up the infusion room. My best memory is when she wanted to come on a road trip with myself, the lab tech and secretary to a haunted house last Halloween. Cont'd

It had been a long time since I'd seen Colleen but my lasting memory is her laughter. Her laugh had a way of brightening up a room. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I don't think I ever met Colleen without her having a broad smile on her face and a hearty laugh. Her laughter was her music.My thoughts and best wishes go out to all those she left behind.

Colleen we knew each for such a brief time on this earth, but your laughter I can still hear in my head. You were one of the happiest people I knew, always smiling and always happy. You will be deeply missed. I wish you peace...Kathy V

Colleen was as near a daughter as I could get without giving birth. I loved her dearly and will miss her forever. Margaret

A moving, beautiful and meaningful use of a website to memorialize the life of a person we didn't know, but wish we had. The premature passing of a loved one who has made a difference is an occasion for stopping and pondering what is important in this sparrow's flight we know as life and is a deep look into the mirror that ought to be our constant reference point. God bless Colleen.