Colleen Faith Irey “Pooh Bear”, 66, of Pullman, MI became one with the angels when she quietly passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Allegan MI while attended by her husband, daughter, and granddaughter. The devastating illness that disabled her so tragically 8 years ago took its final toll.
She loved watching and visiting Lake Michigan the most. She was a member of the American Legion Auxillary at Post 49 in South Haven MI where she would sit and watch the Lake from the Post. While she still could, she loved riding up and down the Lakeshore on the back of her husband’s motorcycle.
Colleen put herself through high school, graduated with a GED, and completed Certified Nurses Aide training. She worked for years as a CNA in Illinois specializing in Alzheimer patient care before moving to Michigan. Here in Michigan, she joined with AAESA, working as a Bus Aide helping children with special needs, and was nominated for a Parents Choice Award for her efforts until an illness disabled her in 2003.
Colleen was born in Gary IN, the daughter of Ralph Tryon and Thelma Irene Tryon (Morris). She was the last of 9 children and is survived by her husband of 15 years, Richard Irey of Pullman, MI, daughter Jeni Kitchen Rodriguez of Oswego IL, sister Gloria (Milton) Gunn of Nashville TN, stepson Jesse Irey of Casa Grande AZ, granddaughter Samantha Irey of Battle Creek MI, stepson Douglas P. (Christina) Heighton, and grandchildren Zachery, Leeland, and Stella Heighton, all of Saucier MS.
Dear friends, in compliance with her wishes, Colleen was cremated; there will be no viewing nor will there be a funeral service. Friends who wish to contribute to her lasting memory are encouraged to donate to her favorite charity: Father Flannigan’s Boys Town, 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010, or go to www.boystown.org
Chappell Funeral Home of Fennville, MI is graciously assisting the family with arrangements.
