Colleen Corcoran Friedman
February 17, 1952 - June 16, 2023
Colleen Corcoran Friedman, PhD, of San Antonio, Texas, died peacefully at home on June 16, after her 8-year fight with multiple myeloma. She participated in a car t-cell trial that was later approved by the FDA to support treatment of others with multiple myeloma. She died as she lived with courage, dignity and grace.
Her family and friends will remember her joyfulness, loving spirit, faith, and thoughtfulness. She deeply cared for her animals, family and friends and many people she met. She was a blessing to those who knew her.
Colleen (Candy) was born in Dallas, Texas in 1952, to parents, Betty and Philip Corcoran. Candy, along with brothers Flip, Chip and Skip lived in east Dallas. As a young teen and Beatles fan, she felt lucky to have seen the Beatles on tour in 1964. She often spoke of her times spent with Aunt Mary and grandmotherMary Castagna, i.e. MomMom, who lived in Pennsylvania. She graduated from Dallas Bishop Lynch High School in 1969.
Candy headed west and attended college in Lubbock at Texas Tech University. College friends remember her as a lot of fun, and the kindest person they ever knew, with a gentle soul. She graduated in 1974 with a Bachelors in Audiology.
She continued her studies as she moved back to Dallas. At University of Texas at Dallas, she received a Masters in Speech Pathology and a Masters in Psychology. While working on her PhD, Colleen interned at Terrell State Hospital. She taught Psychology at Dallas Community College, and worked at Scottish Rite.She received her Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Missouri at Columbia in 1991.
She collected data for her dissertation at Seagoville Prison, where she met her future husband, Joseph Friedman (Joe), a correctional officer, while both were dealing with an inmate meltdown. As their relationship developed, Colleen also embraced her new role as mother to Joe's son, JoJo and daughter, Rebecca.Colleen and Joe were married in 1993.
Colleen and family moved to San Antonio in 1995. She taught at Incarnate Word University. She began her life work of helping seniors. Her favorite things at this time in life were visits to Santa Fe, drinking margaritas(her recipe) and eating tiramisu. She continued her psychological advocacy for the elderly until her death.
Colleen is predeceased by her parents, Philip Healy Corcoran (Phil) and Elizabeth Marie Castagna Corcoran (Betty), and nephew Terry Corcoran. She is survived by her husband of thirty years, Joseph Friedman, son Joseph Friedman and daughter Rebecca Friedman. She is survived by brother Philip Healy Corcoran Jr (Flip) and spouse Nancy Corcoran, brother Cary Evans Corcoran (Chip) and partner Barbara Hogue, brotherDennis Schuyler Corcoran (Skip) and spouse Gloria Brenneman Corcoran. She is also survived by niece and nephews: Kelly Corcoran and partner Jennifer Curtis, niece RaeLynn, Casey Corcoran and spouse Emily Holman.
At Colleen's request, there is a private remembrance with family only. "Candy" will be missed by many, and will leave us with a legacy of joy.
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