Our hearts are breaking with having to announce Colleen's passing after an 18-month battle with cancer.
Colleen will be lovingly remembered by son Jeffrey Swackhamer of Rockglen, Saskatchewan. She will be greatly missed by sister's Maddy Marchand (Richard) and Valerie Dube (Gerry). Predeceased by her brother Jim Lovegrove in March 2018, cousin Gerald Dwyer in March 2018, mother Marion Lovegrove in 1996 and father Les Lovegrove in 1992. Recently predeceased by her loved companion, Carl Stevenson November 2nd, 2018.
Colleen will be lovingly remembered and missed by sister-in-law Linda Lovegrove and nieces LeeAnne (John) and Cindy (Chris), and by Carl's children: Terry (Susan), Debbie (Ron), Dianna (Lawrence), Glen (Geany), Tracy (Bill) and their families.
There will be no doubt that friends Jennifer, Marlene, Jo, Norma, Angie & Frank, Susan H., Lorna & Ron, Fairlee, Inge and many others will feel much sadness and will miss her in their lives.
Colleen will be remembered for her willingness to help others, her love of birds, flowers and country music. She could be counted on for support when needed and she had a unique ability to get to the "bottom line". Usually with a comment that would make you smile.
Cremation has taken place as she wished. Celebration of Colleen’s life will take place Monday December 17, 2018 from 11 am – 2 pm at Sunpark Beaver Ridge, 1007 Racoon Rd., Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R1. Internment will be in Angus Union Cemetery in the family plot in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Cancer Centre, would be appreciated.
Sincere thanks to Dr. O'Shaunessy for his care and to RN Shannon Cotter for her above-and-beyond care and support.
Rest in peace Colleen. We'll meet you on the other side.
Susan Harrison
Posted on: Thursday, December 6, 2018You were such a kind and caring person Colleen. You will be greatly missed. My condolences to all of your family and friends.
Gwen Rumble
Posted on: Friday, December 7, 2018So sorry to hear this , my thoughts are with all of her family. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who knew her. xoxox
Jeff Swackhamer
Posted on: Friday, December 7, 2018RIP mom. You’re going to be missed greatly here. Many thanks to all visiting and commenting. I’m am sure mom’s memory with you is one long lasting and brings a warm smile or laugh.
Donald Desroches
Posted on: Friday, December 7, 2018I had the opportunity for Jeff to introduce me to his family at a get together at RAMA which Colleen was there as well. I knew at the time of the visit that Colleen was in the process of battling cancer but even so, she was absolutely wonderful in talking to her for my brief visit with her. You raised a wonderful son who I became great friends during times of my youth and I cherish those times even today. Her smile is what I’ll remember the most. I am absolutely thrilled that I took the time to be with that group of people that day. My condolences to the family and friends. Remember Jeff, you have a good group of friends and family surrounding you. Even in times of tears and sorrow, remember that your mom is and will always be proud of you.
Dianna Stevenson
Posted on: Friday, December 7, 2018Dear Maddy, Richard and Jeff
So sorry for your loss, you have our heartfelt condolences. We have so many happy memories with dad and Colleen’s family, thank you for all the you have done for them. We couldn’t have made it through the last month without your love and support.
Love Dianna & Lawrence
Lorna Thompson
Posted on: Saturday, December 8, 2018I still find it hard to realize she is gone. She has been a true friend of mine for ten years. We had so many good times together – camping, partying at the Rec Hall at planned events, sitting in our gazebo or theirs enjoying drinks but the best fun of all was us girls trouncing the men during many nights of euchre playing. Colleen was always the first to offer help and was always there to support. Colleen very seldom got upset but when she did she wasn’t afraid to correct you. She valued her family dearly and held you all in the highest esteem. I remember an afternoon visit she made to my place. We were sharing and suddenly she said “who would of ever thought I would end up with cancer and you with ALS “. I will miss you always but best of all, you will live on through memories I will treasure in my heart. Good bye dear friend. I miss you already.
Shelley Dempsey
Posted on: Saturday, December 8, 2018Our Condolences go out to the Family and Friends at this difficult time! Hope you feel some comfort knowing that Colleen & her Love are together again in Paradise! Angels watching over you all! Xo
Sharon & Thomas Baker
Posted on: Saturday, December 8, 2018Dear Maddy, Richard, Jeff & Stevenson Family:
We wish to express our sincerest & deepest sympathies on the passing of Colleen. She was a dear, sweet, precious lady who will be deeply missed & forever fondly remembered. Praying for peace & comfort for all of you during this difficult time. May she Rest In Peace.
With deepest & sincere sympathy
Sharon & Thomas Baker
Orillia, ON
Maddy Marchand (Colleen's sister).
Posted on: Sunday, December 9, 2018I’m sitting here thinking of all the people I need to include in writing a condolence message: Colleen’s son Jeff, my last sibling, Valerie. My sister-in-law Linda and her 2 girls: LeeAnn & Cindy. Carl’s 5 children Terry, Debbie, Dianna, Glen, Tracy and their families. My heart goes out to all of you.
I’m so very thankful I got to spend the time with Colleen – right up until the end. She was one courageous, loving and caring lady. We’ll all miss her in our lives – the same way we’re missing Carl.
Pam Garland
Posted on: Wednesday, December 12, 2018Me: “How much coffee should I put in the coffee maker Colleen?”
Colleen: “How much does it say?”
Me: “says use 6 scoops for a full pot.”
Colleen: “Put in 8 and make ‘em big scoops.”
Me: “you sure??”
Colleen: “ maybe 1 more… we like it strong!”
I’ll never forget that visit with you. The laughs… the love. Rest In Peace ‘ol girl…we’ll see you soon. XO
My deepest condolences to my stepmother Maddy and Valerie. Love you XXOO
Lucille and Bob Elvins
Posted on: Thursday, December 13, 2018Colleen fought a brave battle with cancer.. She is now at rest with her wonderful partner, Carl. She will be fondly remembered by “The Elvins”. We moved into Beaver Ridge Estates in November 2014. We were lonely as did not know anyone here. When I saw a beautiful big car pull up on the driveway, I was excited to see a lovely lady coming to our door. Colleen was the Park ‘Welcome Wagon’ at that time.
Through the short period of time we knew each other…we had lots in common. .The love of dogs, wine and dancing. ?Bob and Colleen enjoyed sharing jokes on the computer. Rest in Peace my friend. WE WILL MISS CARL. AND YOU. ?
Bethene Blake
Posted on: Friday, December 14, 2018I so sorry to hear about Colleen’s passing.She was a wonderful lady who went out of her way to help my sister-in-law Josephine.I will miss our conversations and emails.
May you rest in peace,Colleen.
Inge & Gerry Brown
Posted on: Saturday, December 15, 2018Gonna miss this strong humorous lady. We had some great chats over the years. When we moved in next door we were greeted warmly by Colleen and Carl and introduced to mobile living. It’s hard not seeing their lights on in the morning. Condolences to Maddy another strong and kind woman.
Fairlie Hewitt
Posted on: Sunday, December 16, 2018Sincerest condolences to family and friends of Colleen. She was a lovely lady always interested and interesting. I so enjoyed our visits and chats. Will miss you sweet friend.