Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
COLETTE DENNIHAN Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for COLETTE DENNIHAN
Lisa LaGue-Murphy
January 30, 2014
I have always considered myself blessed to have had Mrs. Dennihan for class at Miege. Those 3 years of being in choirs and plays have given me great memories of high school - and i couldn't even sing that well, just tried hard! She truly made a difference in my life.
Cathy Seymour
January 26, 2014
She was the best. I will always remember the kindness she showed me as a scared hs kid.
Jane Hughes Paulson
September 21, 2013
A lovely person and a great teacher, disciplined and fun at the same time. She had high expectations for us at Sion and we were inspired by her to meet them. I still sing songs she taught me. Love and prayers to the family.
Betsy Crawley-Sykes
September 2, 2013
I have such fond memories of Mrs. Dennihan and being in the choir, and Ensemble at Sion. She was a beautiful person and a great teacher. She also sang at my sister, Judy's, wedding. Our sincere sympathy goes to Mary and her family.
Mary Reilly
September 2, 2013
I love Colette Dennihan. Still. Always.
She was more than a teacher, example of excellence,
artist...she was my friend.
She gave me/us all of what she was.
And she was so much. So gifted, beautiful.
And so much fun.
My blessings and love go to the family;
God bless you at your loss.
She is with me always.
Mary Gutknecht Reilly
Bernadette Koenig Wheeler
September 1, 2013
When I think of excellence I think of Mrs. Dennihan as she was a great motivator and teacher. God bless her.
Jan Pfeiffer-Rios
August 30, 2013
My sympathies to all. I just happen to be in KC to visit and learned of her passing, but not till the funeral was over. I am thinking of you.
Niki Merrigan
August 30, 2013
Mrs. Dennihan enlarged my world and my place in it. Because of her teaching at Notre Dame de Sion I was introduced to the wonder of music and the joy of singing. She enriched my entire life because of the musical appreciation I gained from my years with her in the chorus and ensemble. I am in her debt.
Ann Hixson
August 29, 2013
Mrs. Dennihan was my choir (and voice) instructor at St. Teresa's Academy. I think of your mother often and fondly. One think I remember her saying was, "Always strive for perfection, girls. You will never reach it, but you should try anyway." She is one of the teachers I appreciate most, as she challenged us to be our best. I was thinking just this morning that the people I have learned the most from are the ones who challenged me the greatest.
Cindy (Bryant) Rubaie
August 28, 2013
Mrs. Dennihan was one of the very best. I was one of her students at Miege, and am forever thankful for introducing us to beautiful music and art. I still remember the difficulty in learning to sing Faure's Requiem, and how steadfast she was at making sure we all sang to the best of our abilities. I pray that you find comfort in knowing how many lives she touched, and how much she will be missed.
Alice Munninghoff
August 28, 2013
I will always treasure my memories of working with Colette at Sion. She was a dear woman, a perfect lady with a lovely smile and a gentle heart. She held all of us--students and colleagues alike--to a standard of excellence by her example of commitment and dedication. I feel blessed for having known her.
May she rest in peace.
Kim Lewallen
August 28, 2013
Oh, what warm, loving memories are shared here about your wonderful mama, Denny! I hope she is now in comfort and at peace. I never had the privilege of meeting her, but I know you ... indeed, one of her greatest legacies. Prayers and strength to you and yours in this time of loss. I'm sorry, My Friend.
August 28, 2013
I worked with Colette at General Diaper Service, where she "coached" new mothers and offered them support. She was always so sweet and encouraging, a blessing to those around her. She is and will be remembered with great fondness. Suzie Joiner (Kansas City, MO)
Linda Donnelly
August 28, 2013
Dennis ... I have always had fond memories of your mother as my teacher and co-worker at Miege. God bless you and your family. Linda & Charlie Donnelly
August 28, 2013
I was a member of many musical groups at Notre Dame de Sion...from the choir to the small sextet created by Mrs. Dennihan...in the early 1960's. She took us to "wins" at many state competitions--and is SUCH an important part of all memories to do with Sion. To this day, my sister and I still sing the alto part of one of the unique songs she brought to our group. What a very special person she was to all of us. Nancy Paradise Donaldson, NDS, 1961
Mary Pat Miller
August 27, 2013
As a lover of choral music and accompanist for the Bishop Miege music dept. under Karl Wolf in the 1980s, we all knew what standards had been set by Colette Dennihan and we aimed to keep them at her level. She was the Gold Standard. She was a very classy lady, very quick-witted, passionate about good music... all kinds... very talented in her choral direction, devout in her love of the Catholic Church and her family. I feel honored to call her my friend as she was a fellow Mountie and we enjoyed many alumni events together. God bless all her family. Mary Pat Miller
Dan Nickle
August 27, 2013
I was a member of the Bishop Miege Class of '71 Choir and Chorale, both directed by Mrs. Dennihan. I participated in the school musicals, also directed by Mrs. Dennihan.She even helped a few of us prepare our auditions. She led us caroling on the Country Club Plaza. She also took the group to hear Handel's Messiah at the RLDS Auditorium in Independence, MO. She devoted so much time and energy to us I often wondered how she ever saw her own children or her husband. Most of my best memories of high school involve her. I am forever grateful to this remarkable woman. Whoever has had the job of directing the choirs of angels had better move over. There's a new girl in town!
Gayle Maurin
August 27, 2013
Dear Mary and family,
We adored Mrs. Dennihan and her impact was immeasurable! From bringing classical musicians into the grade school curriculum to Sion Singers, Sextet, Madrigals, The King and I and years of private voice lessons, Mrs. Dennihan certainly instilled a lifelong love of music and singing. God Bless you Mrs. Dennihan, and thank you for your great gifts. Please know all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pamela.
August 27, 2013
Mrs. Dennihan's family.
Mrs. Dennihan was such a nice and precise teacher. I had her for the girl's choir at Miege. I found myself singing the songs she taught me all the while as I drove to work today. May she rest in peace.
August 27, 2013
Colette and Pat Dennihan were our neighbors over twenty two years ago overlooking the Mississippi north of Hamilton, IL. We all appreciated the peace and beauty of "the Big River". Mr.& Mrs. Dennihan welcomed us and our two children with love and understanding after we suffered tragedy in our lives. May they rest in eternal peace. Jack and Jane Curry
Judy Sansale (Gross)
August 26, 2013
Mrs. Dennihan was my music teacher at Sion from 8th grade through senior year. She loved teaching music and loved her students even more. I have never forgotten her and she will always remain a positive influence in my life. Eternal rest grant unto you, Mrs. Dennihan.
Julia Koncak
August 26, 2013
The Holy Spirit Choir extend their condolences to her family. Colette's dedication and love of music shined through as choir director.
Mary Pat Berkin
August 26, 2013
Dear Mary, Dennis, & Jim,
I am so sorry for your loss--and what a loss it is! Colette and I taught together at St. Agnes; we did "Pirates of Penzance" together, I directed and she did the music. It was a blast. Later, I talked her into helping me with a musical production for Children's Theatre at The Resident, in KC. She wrote original music for the show and the production got excellent reviews. I went off to Europe the next year to direct GI's in US Army Special Services shows. After a few years, we lost touch, but I never forgot her great talent and wonderful sense of humor. I can still hear her laugh. You were lucky to have had such a wonderful lady as your mother. Know your faith and family will sustain you at this sad time. You are all in my prayers. Mary Pat Richardson Berkin
Melanie Lechner Taylor
August 26, 2013
Thank you Mrs. Dennihan for being my wonderfuly teacher. I know you are enjoying the Heavenly choirs now!
Julie Crittenden Frickleton
August 26, 2013
Dear Denihan Children,
Your mother was one of the most influential women in my life. I was lucky to have been in all the musicals and most of the music groups she directed during my four years at Miege. Her standards were high but her passion was contagious. Her Allied Arts class was incredibly valuable to me, and I remember quite a bit. Her voice runs through my head every time I stroll through an art museum or open a new piece of sheet music while singing in the choir at St. Thomas More. My three children are all fine musicians, and I consider that to be part of your Mother's legacy. God bless her.
Ann Shoffit
August 26, 2013
Mrs. Dennihan lived her love of music every day, and made sure the rest of us would love it as much as she did. I had her as my music teacher from 1st-12th grades. Her passion lives on in myself, as I am sure it does in many of her students. My sympathy to your family. Ann Ryan Shoffit
Marta Kepes
August 26, 2013
Dear Mary, Dennis and Jimmy,
I am so sorry for your loss - no matter at what age, it is hard to say goodbye... My earliest memory of your mother was the thrill of standing next to the piano in our second grade classroom at Notre Dame de Sion and turning the pages for this beautiful lady. She was so sparkly and pretty and singing was by far the most fun class of the day. There are so many wonderful memories - singing at the Chrismas lighting ceremonies on the Plaza, all the beautiful French carols (to this day, whenever our Christmas choir sings "Angels We Have Heard On High" - I immediately think of "Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes" and Mrs. Dennihan!) She touched and enriched so many lives... right now, I imagine she is conducting a heavenly choir - and making sure they get it right!
Rest in Peace, dear Mrs. Dennihan.
Marta Kepes
August 26, 2013
Dear Mary, Dennis, and Jim,
I am so sad to hear that Colette is gone without my family seeing her one more time. Jim, I hope you remember Dana and me and our six children and although I have never met Mary and Dennis, I feel like I know you because of how much your mother talked of you when we visited. I know Colette from teaching in Hamilton, Illinois, and as you would already assume, her integrity and good character were so evident from the first day I met her. She was such an encouragement and mentor to me. She and your dad were both so fun and dignified, wholesome people - so proud of their children. Please accept my words as some form of comfort. I regret that when we visit Kansas City, she will not be there to see. God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Maureen Greer (Iowa City, IA)
August 26, 2013
Mary, Dennis and Jim,
I have great memories of your family growing up. I always admired the extraordinary talent of your parents! Thinking of you during this difficult time. Sorry I am unable to come to the services. Mary Pat Barr Burson
Mike Dolman
August 26, 2013
Rest in Peace dear Mrs. D, with great love, Mike Dolman
August 26, 2013
I was fortunate to have Mrs. Dennihan in Glee Club at St. Agnes High School. I thought she was the epitome of sophistication and glamour. She was a kind, beautiful teacher with a gorgeous voice. I believe she married Patrick during her tenure at St. Agnes. That, of course, made her even more of a romantic figure. All of the Dennihan children have a right to feel very proud. She was quite an exceptional person.
Frances (Aziere) Sankey (Shawnee, Ks.)
August 26, 2013
To Mary and the Dennihan Family,
"Mrs. Dennihan" brought joy and happiness to thousands of people in the Kansas City area. We were so lucky to have her in our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mimi Clayton Tipton, St Augustine, FL
Sister Kathleen Dueber
August 26, 2013
To Colette's family, It was with great sadness that I read of Colette's death. I was one of her lucky students at Bishop MIege High School and later touched base with her as a fellow educator. She was the epitome of charm and grace. I was very aware of her great love and respect for her students. Please accept my prayers for you as you mourn her loss. May the God of all comfort hold you gently in his loving arms and may those same arms be open wide to welcome Colette into heaven. I can just imagine that she's organizing a choir right now.Sister Kathleen Dueber
Julie Moffitt
August 26, 2013
Dear Mary and family,
Your dear mother was my music teacher for my entire Sion education (K-12)! She was such an inspiration and taught me/us so many life lessons of perserverance and the joy of music! No one has ever come close in getting those Sion voices to sound so spectacular!! She will always have a very special place in my heart. God bless you at this time of sorrow.
Connie Lynn Ripperger Borserine
August 26, 2013
Dear Mary and the Dennihan Family,
I was incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. I truly loved Mrs. Dennihan and her influence on my life is incalcuable. My years of singing under her direction at Notre Dame de Sion (Class of '69) are some of my best memories! She was a lady in every sense of the word and I know everyone in heaven is smiling because of her presence.
Louisa (Neenan) Weinrich
August 26, 2013
A great loss for the music community! She was the reason for my passion for choral music! It was her dedication to wherever she taught that made that school special...At Sion, she made sure all students knew the school song and sang it with gusto!
Julie Batrick-Hess
August 26, 2013
To the Dennihan Children:
Your mom was the single most influential teacher in my life. Because of her impeccable musical standards and passion for singing, I chose vocal music as my career. Your mom helped me gain entrance into the Accelerated Bachelor of Music Program at UMKC. The memories of our time together at Sion are flooding my mind....The King and I, Sion Singers (love those pink shirtwaists!-I still have mine), Triple Trio, etc. At state music contest, judges for other groups and directors from across the state would come to hear and marvel about the Sion Singers. We even made a recording one year, a treasured piece of high school memorabilia.
My life and path have been deeply touched by her guidance; she is a part of who I am today. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Julie Batrick-Hess, Sion Class of '69
Becky Vogt Thacker
August 26, 2013
Mrs. Dennihan, You were a truly wonderful and patient music teacher. I still love to sing because of everything you taught me in Choir at Bishop Miege.
You are now singing with the angels having earned your wings putting up with high school kids for so many years. God Bless You and your family.
August 26, 2013
Mary, Your mom will be greatly missed by all of us who were influenced by her passionate love of music. She helped make my years at Sion very special. Your mom and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy Sullivan Gutowski Sion '66 Mount Pleasant, SC
Rev. Don Tabberer
August 26, 2013
I will never forget Mrs. D and her relentless pursuit of excellence in music. She taught me how to sing and instilled a love of music that affected my career choices and stays with me today. I have shared stories of Mrs. D with friends over the years as one of my favorite teachers and a big influence on my life. I still have a little red plastic monkey that Mrs. D gave me senior year to remind me that I must always take responsibility for myself...The monkey is on my shoulder, Mrs. D! It has been 43 years since graduation and my memories of Mrs. D are as vivid as ever. Be blessed and rest easy. Amen.
August 26, 2013
Dear Mary and Gary and family, I was so sorry to hear about your mother. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the funeral because of a medical procedure, but I will keep you in my prayers. Love, Yvonne
August 26, 2013
Dear Dennis: I read with sorrow of your Mom's death. Please know of my prayers for you and your family. My best to Mary Helen
Your old friend
Monsignor Bob Murphy
Don Tabberer
August 26, 2013
Mrs. D will be missed by so many. She instilled in me a love of music that affected my life forever and led to career choices. I have thought about her through the years and often spoken of her fondly when talking to friends about favorite teachers and lifelong influences. It has been 43 years since I graduated from Bishop Miege, but Mrs. D's smile and her care is still vivid in my mind. Go with God and always remember that little monkey on your shoulder (she knows what I mean).
August 26, 2013
Rest in Peace Mrs. Dennihan You were the best music teacher I ever had at Bishop Miege, I still think of the way you taught me to read music and even now in my 60's I still use Mrs. D's method. Much love to your family She was a gem. God Bless You all Linda (Brown) Tabberer
Eugene "Gene" Smith
August 26, 2013
I remember a beautiful young woman our music teacher. Every male student had a crush on her. She came to St Agnes High Scool in the late 40's May she be eternally happy in heaven with Pat. Gene Smith Class of 1951
August 26, 2013
I know Aunt Keck's heavenly family are smiling and loving her music as she joins them. So many memories of family get togethers when we were small and the laughter. Her sense of humor was contagious. We are thinking of all of the family during this time and know that her memories will always give you comfort and smiles. Steve and Laney (Brennan) Miller ( Waukesha WI )
Molly McCaffrey Gallagher
August 26, 2013
Dennis, I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. While I never had the privilege of meeting her, I know the son she raised. May the great memories she created always put a smile on your face. Know she was greeted with a smile, warm hug and glass of cheer from all her Visitation friends and the clan from County Donnelly.
Helen Stenson Arnold
August 26, 2013
It was a pleasure to be a part of the Sion Singers. Mrs. Dennihan did bring out the best in us, she had high standards. My sympathy to the family, she was a grand lady.
Sherrill Mulhetn
August 25, 2013
More than just music, she gave me the gift of song and It has sustained me throughout my life. I cherish her memory and I will always be grateful.
Cathy Klager
August 25, 2013
Colette will always be "Mrs. Dennihan" to me. From all my years at Sion..she was a teacher that I always respected as she insisted on us giving our BEST! Sending our condolences to Mary and all the family.
Cathy Owens Klager
Mary Petersen
August 25, 2013
My condolances to the Dennihan family. I will always remember those days of being a Sion Singer and listening to Mrs. Dennihan trying to cajole us into "getting on the note." If it hadn't been for her, I would never have learned to iron pleats, wear white gloves or sing with a smile on my face while June bugs buzzed about.
Mary Petersen '65
Karen Ohrazda Bayne '65
August 25, 2013
I will only remember the best of times with Mrs. Dennihan who taught and gave so much of herself to the music students at Sion. She expected our best efforts from the trio, the madrigals and to the full choir, and we did our best to provide those efforts to her. I visited with her at her home for about 15 years following graduation during the Christmas season bearing a small gift. I regret now that those short visits stopped at one point due to the hectic days of raising children and other daily chores. My mother is still living, and I love her dearly but there is room for Mrs. Dennihan to be a mother of my heart. Remember the good times.
August 25, 2013
I admired Colette as we worked together at Notre Dame de Sion high school. She was passionate about her job as a music teacher. She was demanding, but also genuine and gentle. I remember her hearty, contagious laugh. Quite a lady!
Maryvonne Marshall
Dixie Scelsi
August 25, 2013
Mary, Dennis and Jim and families,
So sad to hear of aunt Keck's passing but know she is now without suffering. I treasure the memories of her infectious laughter and vivacious spirit - at the Brennan homestead, the River house and many family gatherings. Though I cannot be there, I would love to share a hug with all of you! Your Mom is making beautiful music now with Pat, Jim, and Mom and Dad - I can almost hear their laughter! Dixie, John and Chrissie Scelsi
Amy McLiney Hart
August 25, 2013
I had the pleasure of getting to re-meet Mrs. Dennihan a couple years ago, many years after I was her snarky choir student at STA in 1981. What a beautiful, holy woman and teacher she was. She still had a twinkle in her eye so many years later. I had the opportunity to thank her for teaching our class "The Memorare", and she sent me such a sweet note with a Miraculous Medal enclosed! I will continue to say a prayer for her every time I wear it. May she rest in peace.
Eileen Wilson McKee
August 25, 2013
Mrs. Dennihan was one of my favorite memories from freshman year at Bishop Miege. She was lovely, and so kind. Rest in Peace, dear lady.
Mary Reeves
August 25, 2013
I loved all the time that I spent with Mrs. Dennihan and Sion Singers. She was a great person! Mary, you and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Mary Pflumm Reeves, Class of '69
Kate Lee Leibsle
August 25, 2013
She was tough, but she loved us and made us better singers!
August 25, 2013
Dennis,
Please accept my sincere sympathy. I cannot imagine how sad your life is with the passing of your mother. She is at peace now and you have wonderful memories to keep forever. I will say some prayers for you and your family.
Kind Regards,
Carol Meunier
Kathleen Marx
August 25, 2013
I doubt that Mrs. Dennihan will ever know the extent to which she touched the lives of others. Even more than music ("one of the hardest things to sing is a repeated note"), she demonstrated daily good cheer and optimism. I am grateful for the life lessons she shared and from which I (and my children) still benefit. May God rest her beautiful soul.
Kathleen Roult Marx, Bishop Miege '76
Sandra Thomson(Palermo) Class of 62
August 25, 2013
Mrs. Dennihan was my teacher for many of my years at Sion. I remember her as a tough but fair teacher who taught us a love of music and singing. We spent many hours practicing and going to state music festivals and coming home with only the highest of grades. Triple trio, ensemble and chorus. I still love to sing some of the songs we learned in those days. Rest in peace as you take on your new assignment, that heavenly chorus in the sky.!!
Sandra Thomson (Palermo) Class of 62
August 25, 2013
Mrs Dennihan was a wonderful teacher and inspired many of us to a love of music and singing. I will always remember the many hours we spent singing. I have great memories of going to state competitions and coming home with the highest marks available. She was a great, tough but fair teacher and she will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace as you go to your next challenge, that heavenly choir in the sky.
Conni Brennan
August 24, 2013
I have many very fond memories of Colette--or Keck as we knew her. She was always so positive and welcoming. In later years, she and I would visit about the people of St. Patrick. She loved the church and the people she knew there. I will miss our visits and her endearing smile.
Showing 1 - 64 of 64 results
Make a Donation
in COLETTE DENNIHAN's name
Memorial Events
for COLETTE DENNIHAN
How to support COLETTE's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor COLETTE DENNIHAN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
