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Genevieve Colleran Obituary

Genevieve E. "Penny" Colleran, age 97. Beloved wife of the late William P. Colleran, Jr. Loving mother of Daniel, Mary Louise (Jack) Baldwin, Timothy, Colleen (Terrence) Smyrniotis, the late Regina (John) Ernst, Eileen (Gregory) Wright, Patrick (the late Aileen) and Kathleen (Alexander) Timotijevic. Dear sister of the late Rosemary, Cyril, Myles, Vivian, Ralph, and Phyllis.

Devoted Headmistress of Granny School for 21 grandchildren, great grandmother to 9 and counting. Aunt, Great Aunt and Granny to many.

Not one to allow life's troubles to slow her down, Genevieve wrung the good out of her long and storied life. Devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and friend to many, she will be remembered by the generations for generations, by all who experienced and enjoyed her positive influence and good humor. She was a woman of abiding faith enjoyed praying a daily rosary, attended more family celebrations than most and has a large welcoming committee waiting for her in heaven. She enjoyed swimming without getting her hair wet; loved to read biographies; talented seamstress and beautiful quilter; master baker of cut-out cookies; incredible driving instructor teaching that stop signs and speed limits were mere suggestions; volunteer extraordinaire. Loved babies "because they don't talk back!" Originator of Grannyisms: "Oh You Kids!" "Tell me what's new in your young life!" "I'm 96? Really? I AM an old broad!" She always had a positive outlook, since remembering the bad times was a waste of energy. Our "Golden Girl" will be dearly missed.

Due to COVID restrictions, all services will be private. A proper sendoff will be announced in the future. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Contributions to her favorite charities are appreciated:

Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL 60660;

USO and the VFW.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jun. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Genevieve Colleran

Not sure what to say?





John Feliciano

June 15, 2023

She loved everyone with a Pure Heart of Gold

PAT CAVIN BERMES

June 15, 2021

WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER SMILE AND JOY TO SEE US BOTH AT HER PLACE , ROSIE"S, MY MOM, PLACE, AND JOSEFA AND RICHARD"S HOME.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Jenny Velez

Planted Trees

Diane Quinlan Fleming

June 23, 2020

One of the great RP women that we all looked up to as kids and now as adults. Mrs C was so much fun to be around! Always looked forward to seeing her, especially at the St Jerome's St.Paddy's day party! Will always remember her loving and friendly spirit! Heaven just gained another angel. My deepest sympathies to all of the Collerans on the loss of your beautiful mother.

Jozefa L Cavin

June 22, 2020

Genevieve, Hope the light of the candle is guiding you to heaven.

Jozefa l Cavin

June 22, 2020

My deepest condolences to All Genevieve's children and grandchildren of losing the wonderful mother and grandmother, let say letting Her go to heaven.
Genevieve with Her family were my extended family in the USA, who included me to Her closest circle.

I was and will be forever appreciative to You and to your family for that.

For the Thanksgiving in 1985 I was invited to Genevieve's home along with Richard my late husband and His mother Rose. I remember as today All the Collerans Family around the table enjoying the dinner which Genevieve made it herself.
Since then we were always invited by Her or her children to all special's occasions in Her family.

She was together with Her children always so generous and happy to see us, and I thank you for that.

Genevieve I will miss you, your hospitality and your lovely face. Hope you are happy in Heaven ,and hope to see you some day.

Love you All. Jozefa L. Cavin
June 21,2020

Pat Cavin Bermes

June 22, 2020

On one occasion Penny remarked she was going to outlive Rosie and she sure did, by 8 years. If it wasn't for the virus she may have still be with you. I pray for Penny and her family at this time.

Cathy Nunn

June 22, 2020

Gen used to bring jokes to work . I remember one about boyfriends named Art Ritis, etc,. When Shirley and I spoke, the first thing she said was that Gen was always positive. That was so true. She always spoke of her family so lovingly. When I was sick, she brought me food, as she knew my family was out if town. I have always smiled when I thought of her.

Joe Morris and Maureen Blaha

June 22, 2020

The greatest neighbor ever!! May she rest in peace

Kathy Anderson

June 21, 2020

My thoughts and prayers go out to Gen's beautiful family. I worked with Gen at St Francis for many years. I always knew that we would have a good shift if Gen was on. Her compassion and hard work was noted by all. I can't picture Gen without a smile on her face. I can still hear her voice and with that I hear a story about her children and grandchildren. She was so very proud of her family and the time spent together. My children were blessed with beautiful Gen Colleran quilts, and I treasure those as I treasure my time with this wonderful woman. My life is better for having known Gen. Rest in peace beautiful lady! XO

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Terri Colleran

Planted Trees

john feliciano

June 21, 2020

Mrs. Colleran I will always cherish the awesome memories of knowing you and your family and having the pleasure of working with you at St. Francis Hospital. You always had a Loving and Giving Heart of Gold and would help anyone in need. 49 years I have known you and still to this day Love your Daughter Kathleen with all my heart. She is your Legacy of Love and Warmth to all..
Hugs and Kisses from me to you in Heaven Always... xoxoxo :-)

Lynne Jarrett (Soderberg)

June 20, 2020

Penny was my neighbor my whole childhood. I am priveledged to have known her. She raised eight beautiful and successful children who always played with the five children in my family. She was a loving mother to all of us. She spent a lot of time bandaging our cuts and scraps while baking her delicious cookies, all with a smile on her face and a great sense of humor. Penny will be greatly missed! May all of your memories comfort you at this time.

Liz Sarnik

June 20, 2020

God Bless Mrs. Colleran. My heartfelt sympathy to the Colleran Family.

Cheryl Lee

June 20, 2020

Deepest condolences to you and your family.

John Lull & Gina Zuercher-Lull

June 20, 2020

She will be missed. Small in stature but large in heart.

Kathy Timotijevic

June 19, 2020

We are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May her memory be eternal.

Nancy and Brian Kabat and Family

June 19, 2020

Sending condolences to the entire family. What a wonderful and full life Granny had! She is a guardian angel for all of you now.

Misericordia Home

June 19, 2020

Our sympathy and special prayers for Penny and all her family and friends.

The Sisters and Residents of

Fran Goldberg

June 19, 2020

It was years before I found out her name was Genevieve. She was introduced to me as Granny and Granny she will always remain! She was always a powerhouse woman, setting an example for her children and grandchildren (and this particular neighbor of her son Pat). When Pat and Aileen moved onto Karlov Avenue, we quickly became good friends. And along with their girls, Caitlin, Bridget and Kelly, we became enveloped in most of the Colleran's extended family's warmth and love. We consider ourselves lucky to have known Granny. She will be missed by many.

Corky and Dennis Hayes

June 19, 2020

Mrs. C was one of the many mothers I was privileged to be yelled at by. She really didnt like when I shortened her childrens names. Have fun with the rest of your friends Mrs. C. And say hi to mom and dad.

Penny Knuth Soergel

June 19, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Dan Corrigan

June 19, 2020

Penny was a dear and close friend of my mother and father, Jack and Mary Corrigan. Along with her husband Bill they were a member of their social group. They loved to party and celebrate many occasions as members of St. Jerome's Catholic Church. Their many children intersected many of the lives of my brothers and sisters. Our deepest condolences and prayers.

Dan Corrigan

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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CLOSED-Maloney Funeral Directors - Chicago

1359 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660

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