July 7th, 2021

If asked about her favourite season, Colleen would always say summer.  She loved nothing more than warm nights by her pool, cold craft beers, colder glasses of rosé, boat rides and beach walks.  Sharing these pleasures with her dear ones was her greatest joy.  It is no surprise then, that she chose to stay through the hottest of summer days before peacefully leaving her loving family and devoted friends.

Colleen was born in Kelowna, BC but spent her childhood and youth in Pritchard and Chase.  Her hopes and ambition took her to college in Kamloops where she worked to receive her Bachelor of Education and embarked on her chosen career in teaching.  Not long after, she (and others) recognized her true calling was to meet people in their moments of greatest need.  She had a gift for listening carefully and thoughtfully to others. She was able to offer her profound wisdom and empathy to all and this led her to pursue her Master of Counselling degree. During her career with School District 73 as a counsellor, Colleen impacted the lives of many families and earned the respect and friendship of so many colleagues. As a School & Family Consultant, she was a valued part of her team and she shared of herself so generously with the families and schools she served.

While Colleen was so very proud of her education and work, there was no doubt that her greatest accomplishment was building her beautiful life and family with Brent, her soul mate and best friend.  The joys and challenges that came with raising Ryan and Matthew were truly her life’s work.  She loved her family and friends wonderfully and deeply and Colleen reminded those around her to delight in the small things.  Whether it was black licorice and gummy bears or listening to one of Brent’s playlists; fragrant candles or a heart-shaped rock; a Saturday night hockey game or a walk with a friend; practicing yoga, receiving a foot massage or one of many coffee dates, she invited everyone around her to share in her happiness.

Although Colleen battled cancer for many years, she refused to let it define her.  It was easy to forget that she was sick because she lived each moment with such hope and optimism.  When her nurses reminded her to be the strongest dandelion, as many delicate flowers are not as hardy or persistent, Colleen embraced the symbolism and called #bethestrongestdandelion her strength-based mantra. Everyone who knew and loved her will always see in the dandelion the toughness and resilience that was Colleen.  She was immensely grateful for the care shown to her by all of her nurses, doctors and caregivers over the years and would want to especially thank Dr. Leia-Stephen, Dr. Swart, Dr. Proctor, Dr. Farren, the nurses at the Cancer Clinic (April, Donna and Deb – who later lost her own battle with cancer) and finally the nurses at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House.

Colleen will be remembered and deeply missed by her husband Brent – her true companion and her children: Ryan – who was pure joy and Matthew – whom she loved more than more.  Also mourning her loss are her mother Janice, brother Sean (Heidi), sister Kelly (Rob), mother-in-law Elaine (Miles), father-in-law Robert (Eiko), brothers-in-law Darcy and Roby, her nieces and nephews (Dillon, Tristen, Hillary, Rachel and Claire) and her faithful and devoted dog, Wyatt.  She will be reunited with her dad, Mike who passed away in the summer of 2012.  Colleen leaves behind a remarkable friendship circle which she purposely chose and cherished and the only thing any of us could have asked for would be to have had more time with her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Oasis Church (1205 Rogers Way, Kamloops) at 1 pm on July 24th, 2021.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myalternatives.ca. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House.

You become. It takes a long time.  That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.  Generally by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby.  But these things don’t matter at all…
The Velveteen Rabbit  –  Margery Williams

You may express condolences by visiting Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-07-07
• Location : Kamloops, BC