Farewell, Colleen

As most of you know, my sister-in-law Colleen had been fighting Thymus cancer for several years now. Sadly, Collen passed away on the afternoon of November 30. Colleen was left widowed after my brother James' death in 1998. They leave behind their two sons, Ryan & Jared, who both live here with my dad. It was difficult to watch her deteriorate, and this has obviously been very hard on all of us, especially the boys, but we have a strong testimony of Heavenly Father's plan. We are grateful for the knowledge that Colleen is no longer in pain, and that she is finally reunited with James, and with my mom.

James & Colleen, 1995

The funeral was held at her chapel in Santa Rosa on December 5th, and it was a truly lovely service. So many people loved Colleen unconditionally, and it was heartwarming to hear stories about her love of life. She was buried the same day here in town, next to James.

Colleen with Ryan & Jared, June 2004

Collen was a fighter, and never gave up hope (even at the very end) that she could beat the cancer. We love Colleen and will miss her, but we are thankful that her ordeal is finally over. May God be with her until we meet again.

The Dean Women Love to Scrapbook, April 2005

Colleen at my baby shower for Vivian, May 2007