It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Colleen Elizabeth Connolley at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at the age of 75 years. Colleen was born on September 23, 1949. Colleen graduated from Rimbey High School and then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary. She returned to the Rimbey area, nursing first at the Bentley Hospital, then returning to Rimbey for the last thirty-five years of her career where she started as an RN, then competently took on the positions of Program Manager of Area 3, Facility Leader, Manager of Continuing Care, and Site Manager. Colleen was well respected by her co-workers. Colleen married the love of her life, Ken Connolley, on December 4, 1971, and together, they raised two children, Darren Matthew, and Shari Lynne. The family greatly enjoyed summer activities including camping, quadding, fishing, swimming and boating. Colleen and Ken vacationed in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, as well as a variety of other locations. They enjoyed taking trips on their Harley. Colleen loved to read and enjoyed country music. Entertaining family for special occasions was Colleen’s joy. Christmas Eve at her house was magical. Colleen leaves to cherish her memory her son, Darren, her daughter, Shari, and her grandchildren, Bailey Benoit, Brooklyn Bryanton and Brinley Hatala, all of whom she deeply loved. Colleen is also survived by her devoted brother, David (Susan) Kennedy, and their sons, Matt and Adam and their families, all of Innisfail. She also leaves to mourn her passing, her brothers-in-law, Gil (Ede), David (Jean), Ed (Shirley), and Gordon (Lorraine), and her thirteen nieces and nephews, as well as several cousins and many friends. Colleen was predeceased by her husband, Ken Connolley, her parents, Matthew and Ena (Browne) Kennedy and her two nephews, Darrel and Chris. At Colleen’s request, no Funeral service will be held. If desired, Memorial Donations in Colleen’s honor may be made to the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee at www.rimbeyhospitallegacycommittee.com. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2025-05-14
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com