Passed away peacefully at home. Born on Victoria Day at St Joseph’s Hospital, Coleen spent her whole life in Victoria. After graduating from Mt Douglas High School in 1972 she entered St Joseph’s School of Nursing, class of 1977. During her time at St Joseph’s, she married her adoring husband Neil after asking the Director of Nursing for permission to get married while in training. The most important things in Coleen’s life were her family and friends, her nursing career and spending time at the Griffin “Cabin” on Shawnigan Lake. Predeceased by her brother Tom, sister Joanne, brothers-in-law David and Brian. She will be sadly missed by her husband of 46 years Neil, children Sean, Lori (Mike) Walmsley and grandchildren Zak, Clayton, Fiona, Isabella (Izzy) and Jackson. As the oldest of 8 children Coleen leaves behind a large and boisterous extended family of a brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and in-laws. Coleen’s eyes lit up at any gathering and she always brightened the occasion.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 Noon, Monday, June 27, 2022 at St Patrick’s Parish, 2060 Haultain St, Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
15 Responses
Deepest sympathy to Coleen’s husband, children, grandkids and family. I was fortunate to have Coleen as a friend at St. Pat’s school, where I was lucky enough to experience weekends at the griffin “cabin”, sleepovers at the Griffin home, as Girl Guides we got our cooking badges by preparing dinner for Bishop Remi De Roo. We practiced our apple pie in the Griffin kitchen. At Gordon Head Junior High and Mt. Doug senior secondary schools we played field hockey together and I managed the girls basketball team. Coleen was a star in these teams as well as track and field.
Coleen had a smile to light up a room, a fabulous sense of humour, she was fun-loving, a great friend for many years.
Gone too soon, her legacy lives on in the lives and hearts she touched.
Condolences to Neil and all family. So sorry to hear of Colleen’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Colleen in rehabilitation nursing. A beautiful, kind and caring person and outstanding nurse.. gone too soon. I pray for all to have peace.
I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and your family in your loss. Sending sympathy and love and fond memories.
With warmest wishes,
Sharman Wieser (née Blascheck)
I was so sorry to learn about Colleen’s passing. I was a friend of Nancy’s back in high school and have fond memories of hanging out at the Griffins’ house and the “girls room” downstairs. My condolences to all of the Griffin family
To Kelly and the family,
Dan and I were very saddened to hear of Coleen’s passing.
We fondly remember many happy times at Shawnigan Lake when Peter, Lisa, and Stephanie were small.
Coleen always made us feel welcome and she will be truly missed as the “eldest sister” of such an amazing group!!
Sending much love,
Dan and Denise Korolyk