Obituary for Colleen Cathryn Dean

Our mom, Colleen Cathryn Dean died at her home on Thursday, June 29, 2017. Mom was born in Sturgis, Michigan to Matt and Pauline Reed. Mr. Reed had little impact on mom’s life, but she was blessed with two wonderful step-fathers, Hugh Tracey and Herman Liskey. Grandma and Grandpa Liskey were the grandparents we knew and loved.

Mom attended grade school in Sturgis, but completed her education in Coldwater. Immediately after graduation, she took a train to Bakersfield, California, where she married Dale A. Dean. Daniel D. Dean followed, being born in Lincoln Nebraska where dad’s military career ended. After returning to Coldwater, David A. Dean and Cheryl A. (Parks) Dean were born, making mom a very busy young mother. She began raising three under the age of three, while Dad was busy building his auction and real estate business. Though mom worked outside the home later in various part-time jobs, her three children always remained the focus of her life. Because of that devotion to us, we are so happy that later in life, mom was blessed with eight wonderful years with a special friend, Robert Turrell. Robert took mom camping, fishing, and on vacations with his motorcycle club members. Her Schnauzer Babe, went with them on many a local cycle ride. We still smile remembering the day mom cut her hair short so she could wear a helmet. Mind you, she never allowed her children to ride motorcycles! Robert preceded mom in death. Too soon, by far.

Our mom loved animals: bottle feeding sheep, kittens, puppies, and even racoon babies. Over the years mom raised litters of Brittany Spaniels, to release them only to people whose “pedigree” met her standards. We remember a beautiful German Shepherd, who grew too large for her young family, so mom donated him to the School for the Blind; receiving a picture of him and the man he faithfully served. On occasion, mom would reflect that if she had the time and means for higher education, she would have loved being a Veterinary Assistant. She would have been a great one. Mom loved watching birds at her feeders and bird bath; working outside tending her yard and flowers; and of course, she dearly loved her family and friends. Mom was a member of the Coldwater School Board; a Community Health Center Board Member; and a Hospice Volunteer, being named Volunteer of the Year in 1988.

Mom was strong, independent, loving and kind. She is survived by her three children; five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Mom was a private person; she wanted no formal funeral service or memorial. In lieu of flowers, she would be pleased if you would consider the Humane Center of Branch County, or Heartland Hospice of Portage, Michigan. We love and miss you mom.