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May 31, 1929 - March 2, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with a deep and loving sadness that we announce the passing of our dear beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Mom fell and broke her hip and then passed peacefully with family beside her during her short stay at Mountain Lake Seniors Community.
She leaves behind her daughter Maureen (Gordon), - children Jason, Jena, Kayla, and Colemen, son Terry (Shauna), and ex-wife Denise- children Jalessa, Mariah, and Carlie. Mom leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. A huge thank you to her dear friend Barb Motishaw and niece Laurie Sirak who helped care for mom in her final months.
Mom was suddenly predeceased by dad (Mickey) on Christmas Day 2016. They were married for 62 years. Life with dad began in 1952 while mom was recuperating at her parent's home in Nelson, following a horse back riding accident in Calgary where she was living at the time. She was introduced to dad by her brothers who played hockey with dad.
Mom was born in Lethbridge and then the family moved to Kimberley when she was a pre-teen. As a child she had a love of dance, sports, horses, and played the violin for a short time. She was always an avid reader and a creative writer. In her late teens she moved to Calgary to attend Mount Royal College and the University of Calgary. Following graduation, she took a one year teaching position at Garbutt Business College in Calgary where she taught English and typing, after which time she came to Nelson and worked as a secretary and librarian at both Trafalgar and North shore Elementary. Later she taught Commerce at LV Rogers High School.
Shortly after her two children were born, Colleen wanted to further her education and with dad's full support she returned to her studies. Her decision to return to school led her to Notre Dame and Simon Fraser Universities to pursue a Bachelor of Education Degree during which time she also substitute taught in the Nelson School District. She attended Gonzaga University in Spokane to receive a Master's in Education. Her subject majors were English, Social Studies, and Commerce. In short, mom had become a professional student.
Mom was employed for 25 years by the Nelson School District, teaching at Trafalgar Middle School, and LV Rogers High School. Extra-curricular school interests were public speaking club, debating club, dance club, computer club, golf club, and track and field. Up until recent times her old students would come up to her when downtown, at the Community Complex, and walking at the park to talk to her with great fondness and appreciation. Mom's blue eyes twinkled and oh how her face would light right up!!
Mom and dad were very social people who loved to entertain at home, out at the family cabin at Queen's Bay, and in Arizona playing bridge, bocce, and other games with family and their many dear friends. Mom was keenly interested in golf, curling, skiing, and swimming. Upon retiring mom and dad would spend 20 years in Arizona during the winter months pursuing all the activities they loved. Mom enjoyed tennis, slow pitch, golf, and swimming there. Mom was also involved in several bridge clubs, Gyro club, IODE, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Nelson Golf Club, and Nelson Curling club.
In recent years mom loved walking over a mile most days at Lakeside Park with her daughter and sometimes niece Laurie. She enjoyed sitting on benches, meeting old friends, looking at the trees, flowers, mountains, and especially being near the water. During inclement weather we would walk the concourse in the arena and read the hockey memorabilia. Mom also enjoyed chair yoga, and the kind, caring friends she met there.
Mom/Nana Colleen will be eternally remembered and loved by her family and dear friends.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Dr Janz and the staff in Diamond Cottage at Mountain Lake Senior Community for their compassion and kindness with mom during her short stay there. Per mom's wishes there will be no service or memorial. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, may we suggest a donation of remembrance to a local charity of your choice.
To leave a personal message of condolence please see Thompson Funeral Service website: https://www.thompsonfs.ca.


Thompson Funeral Service


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