October 15, 1949 - December 2, 2022
In loving memory ~
Colleen sadly passed away on Friday, December 2nd, at the age of 73, after a battle with Alzheimer's. She leaves her husband of 53 years, Gord, and daughters Lea (Gelling, husband Corry and sons Noa and Sawyer) and Angie (Vandenberg, husband Trevor and son Matthew and daughter Amy). She also leaves 4 brothers Kevin, Randy, Keith and Kent Cottrell. Colleen was predeceased by parents George and Almina Cottrell.
Colleen was born in Saskatoon but was a Vernon resident for most of her life. Her love for life, family, friends and fun spilled over in so many ways. She loved to travel with Gord and her favorite adventures were relaxing in Hawaii, sailing in the Caribbean and RV trips across Canada and the US. Colleen was generous with her time and spent many years volunteering with the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary, the Red Cross and the Okanagan British Car Club. She also travelled to Nicaragua to volunteer in an orphanage with a local medical team. She had many creative interests which included quilting, stained glass, photography, yoga, drawing, and growing orchids. Colleen had a great sense of adventure and would try anything - slalom racing in her MG Midget, flying in a glider plane and even rock climbing. Above all, her family was a huge source of pride and she loved every minute she could spend with them.
Our family is deeply grateful to the staff of Polson Care Home for looking after her so well in the last six months. Lea and Angie are forever grateful to their Dad, who gave her a life full of love, laughter and dancing, to the very end.
There will be a celebration of Colleen's life in the spring of 2023. Anyone wishing to may make a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.
Gord French and Family