On November 10, 2022, a wonderful Mum, Grandma, and GG, Colleen Keil of Mission, BC passed away at the age of 93. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her children Eileen and Edwin (Julie), grandchildren Sara (Mario), Matthew (Chantelle), Grant (Isabel), Kate (Ryan), Jeni-Belle, Zoe, Sierra, great-grandchildren Allie, Sofia, Lily, Owen, Adrian, James, and Shay, and brothers Bob (Judy) and Tom (Ann). She was predeceased by her husbands, Scott in 1956, and David in 2017, her daughter, Jennifer in 2018, and her son-in-law, Ron in 2021.
Colleen was born, March 24, 1929, in Vancouver, BC. She attended Burnaby South High School and enjoyed attending her class reunions. Colleen worked for the Burnaby School Board as a secretary until marrying her husband Scott in 1951. Scott passedmaway at a young age from leukemia. With the support of her very young daughter, Eileen, family, and friends, Colleen returned to work at the Burnaby School Board until marrying David in 1958.They moved to San Francisco for a few years before returning to Vancouver. Jennifer and Edwin were born, and the family lived in West Vancouver, Victoria and in 1974, settled in Mission.
Colleen’s faith was strong. She faced some difficulties and challenges in her life and her commitment to the Church provided much comfort. When she moved to Mission, Colleen joined All Saints Anglican Church and made close friends. She was active in the Anglican Church Women. Her last post was as President and she enjoyed volunteering making mincemeat and organizing Christmas bazaars, Spring Teas and the Anglican Ladies luncheons twice a year. She also planned the World Day of Prayer Services when they were held at All Saints. From 1996 to 1998 she was named Bishop’s Warden to help guide the church during the time that the parish was without a priest-in-charge. With the help of two priests available part-time, she kept All Saints humming along. In 1999, the new rector asked her to be the Rector’s Warden for one year for continuity and to help him get established. She was also a lay administrator, a reader, led the Prayers of the People, and for many years was a member of the Altar Guild. In 2011, in recognition of her contributions to the life and work of the church, she was invested into the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster, an honour of which she was very proud.
Here is the 2012 Citation:
Colleen has been a member of the Anglican Church for almost 60 years and a member of All Saints, Mission for almost 40 of those years. She has many, many talents and has joyfully utilized them in her many ministries over the years.
Just prior to her passing she was thrilled to attend the same award ceremony for her good friend, Dick.
Colleen was also active in the Parents Associations of the schools her children attended and Brown Owl for the local Brownie group for many years. She loved playing bridge and played with her bridge group right up to a few weeks before her passing.
Colleen enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren both at home and at the family place on Bowen Island. Fond memories over the years are of board games, popping popcorn over the fire, ABC Friday night movies and sharing cups of tea.
Colleen faced life’s joys and adversities with strength, compassion and love. She was a kind and gentle soul and her kindness touched many people of all ages. She represented traditional values, but always found humour and positivity in many situations. Her example is something that we can all learn from.
A Celebration of Colleen’s Life will be held at All Saints Anglican Church (33077 Second Avenue, Mission, BC V2V 1J7) on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11am with a tea following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund at All Saints Anglican Church in Mission (address above).
Many thanks to the staff at Chartwell Cedarbrooke in Mission for their thoughtfulness and kindness towards Colleen over the many years she lived there. A special thank you to her “helping hands” Linda and Susan for their loving and supportive care over the last few years.
Photo
Colleen Keil, ODNW photographed at Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver, November 6, 2011, the day she was invested into the ODNW
Photo: Wayne Chose