Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Colleen Patricia Loewen
1950 - 2017
Colleen Patricia Loewen
1950 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
Colleen Loewen Obituary
Colleen Patricia Loewen (Jurgens), born on October 5, 1950 in Seattle, WA passed away peacefully in her husband's arms at her home on Camano Island, WA Saturday, May 27, 2017. Funeral chapel and graveside services will be held at Purdy and Walters at Floral Hills Cemetery in Lynnwood, WA at 1pm on June 11, 2017.
Colleen, a dedicated orchestra teacher, an accomplished cellist and a loving mother and wife, had a ready smile and loving heart which changed and influenced all who knew her.
Her formative years were in the Edmonds/Lynnwood area where she graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1968. She played cello in the Meadowdale orchestra and won the Arion Award for Orchestra (best high school orchestra member). She continued her education at Western Washington State College (University) where she graduated with a Music Education BA degree in 1972. In 1983 she furthered her education by earning a MME (Master of Music Education) degree from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR.
Colleen taught Orchestra in the public school system for 41 years. She initially taught in the Edmonds School District from 1972 to 1976. In 1976 she moved to Fairbanks, AK where she taught until 1980, then moved to Newberg, OR and taught until 1987. In 1987, Colleen moved back to the Edmonds area where she taught until she retired in 2013. In 2014, Colleen and her husband moved to Camano Island. Colleen left behind a legacy of good will and loving wishes with
everyone she knew.
Colleen was a cello playing member of many Orchestras and musical groups throughout the years. From 1972 to 1976 she played in the Cascade Symphony Orchestra. While in Fairbanks from 1976 to 1980, she performed with the University of Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra and the Arctic Chamber Orchestra. While living in Newberg from 1980 to 1987, she played with the Palatine Hill Symphony Orchestra, as well as played for some Portland Operas such as The Barber of Seville, and for two years with the Oregon Symphony. When she returned to the Edmonds Area, she reconnected with the Cascade Syphony for several years as well as becoming the cellist for the Northwest String Quartet from 2002 to 2013. In 2015 and 2016, Colleen played with the Trio by the Sea. In 2002, she went on a European tour with the Southwest Chamber Orchestra and in 2015, the University of Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra invited her to join them to play in a music festival in South Korea.
In 2008, ORBO and the Longshots won a Norwegian Grammy (Spellemann) for the album titled "High Roller." The Northwest String Quartet provided back up music and received a Grammy.
Colleen grew up in the Edmonds/Lynnwood area with her parents John August Jurgens and Patricia Mary Jurgens (Bridges). She had one brother, Scott John Jurgens and one sister, Anita Leanna Miranda (Jurgens).
Colleen met her husband, Michael Dean Loewen, in Fairbanks AK on November 24, 1976. They never left their sides as it was a match made in heaven. They were married on December 18, 1977 at the Edmonds Yacht Club in Edmonds, WA. They had two daughters, Sara Lane Lovell (Loewen), married to John Lovell and Tess Ashley Wills (Loewen) married to Ben Wills. Sara and Tess both have children of their own. Colleen accepted Mike's son Casey Matthew Loewen (Married to Cecille Mapanao) as her own who also had children. Sara's children are Robert, Luke, and Patrick. Tess's children are Michae, Zachariah and Ashleigh. Casey's children are Cash, David and Keena.
Colleen loved morning walks while counting the "bunnies" and watching the eagles fly overhead. She loved animals and going to the zoo with her grandchildren. One of Colleen's favorite songs Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini was used in her favorite movie "Somewhere in Time". Her favorite Cellist was Janos Starker. She loved the color of red; her favorite flowers were red carnations. Colleen loved to ask "Do you hear the cellos?" when a piece of classical music is playing. She loved to smile, laugh, tell jokes and at times was considered a stand-up comedians best friend. She loved to read, travel, socialize and attend musicals and symphonies. Colleen loved life and all it had to offer.
Her favorite quip for her husband was "my darling Mikey!" while his was "my lovely wife Colleen!" And she ALWAYS said goodbye to her daughters with "Mommy Loves You!" Colleen absolutely loved her family from the depths of her heart and will be missed by us all immensely.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kelly S
December 24, 2024
For some reason, Mrs Loewen popped into my head today; for many years, she sent holiday letters. Mrs. Loewen was my orchestra teacher in elementary school at Oak Heights. When I moved to NY in 6th grade, she made sure to keep in touch, and was so supportive. When my family visited WA, we met up with Mrs. Loewen for lunch. While music was never my vocation, it played a large part in my life, both in college and after, and had helped me help my students for many years- all thanks to Mrs. Loewen teaching me to play violin in fourth grade. I´m thankful to her and miss her.
Carol Nelson
February 23, 2018
Colleen and I met when I was 4 years old and she was 3. We hit it off right away and started talking and playing. She lived at the end of Holly Lane and 84th West. We became such good friends as we grew up that my parents asked her to go on vacations with us, since I didn't have any brothers or sisters. We had a ball going camping at Kalaloch on the ocean together, going to my aunt and uncle's cabin at Lake Chelan, and going to the World's Fair in Seattle in 1962 with my parents.
We stayed in touch even when their family moved to Lynnwood and we went to different high schools. I went over and visited them quite a few times there. Otherwise we kept in touch by phone. While Colleen was up at Western I was going to College at the U.W and graduated in urban planning. Later I met Mark and we got married in 1978 and moved to L.A.. Colleen was my Maid of Honor at my wedding, which was held at the Windjammer Restaurant in Ballard. Colleen came down to L.A. with her family and visited several times. I would always see her over Christmas if I came up to Edmonds. She ended up coming back here in 1987 and moved to Bothell. I also moved back up here from L.A. in 1997. Colleen and I had season tickets to the Fifth Avenue Theater in Seattle. We really enjoyed the musicals there. She also attended some plays at the Seattle Rep with me. She and I always went out on my birthday together, and always called each other on that morning and sang happy birthday to each other! We gave funny and crazy birthday cards to each other. We had sayings that we laughed about our whole lives. She was my best and oldest friend, and was so kind and empathetic and always very supportive to me. She had such a positive spirit and was such a big part of my life. She was like a sister to me, and I miss her so much. I have such wonderful memories of her and some great old pictures of us camping at the ocean and swimming in Lake Chelan.
Cheryll Isham
January 6, 2018
I'm really sorry that it has taken so long for me to write here. In the short time I knew Colleen I remember she was always smiling, joking, asking how I was and really concerned. I went to her retirement concert, She played the cello so beautifully. Anita was my former roomate.
Dana Talley
December 26, 2017
I have so many fond memories of Colleen and how she was a special friend at wwsc SO LONG AGO. SHE GAVE JOY WHEREVER SHE WENT AND WAS SO HELPFUL TO ME! SHE INTRODUCED ME TO THOSE THAT HELPED ME GO TO nyc AND JUILLIARD. I AM ONLY SORRY THAT I MOVED SO LONG AGO TO NEW YORK AND WE WERE NOT ABLE TO SEE EACH OTHER OFTEN. WHAT A WONDERFUL WIFE AND MOTHER AND AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL! MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL!
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
December 7, 2017
we learned to know Colleen in Alsca as the cello teacher of our daughter Brigitte.Then we visited one another several times. and we saw the children growing up, visited her mother in Seattle and the family in their new house in Bothel, and Mike's lovely pareents in Salem.. ,we remember the visit of Mount st Helens , Colleen driving the Car and I playing with sarah and Tess in the back..and then she spent 4 weeks with us in Gemany and we drove all over Europe and Germany. with my car.. These memories will stay I embrace Mike, Sarah and Tess and feel with you how sad you must be, Eva Wei Bochum Germany.
BOB & Lois Hoffman
December 4, 2017
Hi Mike,Sara,Tess & Family We are so sorry for your Loss Colleen was such a Gr8 person I always remember when you guys all moved in to your home in Bothell. We saw your family Growing up together I remember watching Colleen playing The Cello from our kitchen window accross the culdesac. Over the years I remember Colleen walking around the neighbourhood the same time I was walking my little Dog. About 4 years ago I had the pleasure of helping Colleen and Mike Find their new home in Camano Island. Colleen was Really excited about the Views and the Scenery. Colleen always would Say how proud she was of her family and really looked forward to family gatherings on the Beach in Camino Island. I got to hang out with Mike & Colleen while we seached for their home. I remember Right before they bought it we ate at the Camano Golf Course and We Heard Go SEAHAWKS Right before they Won the Superbowl Colleen was really Happy and I always remember her eyes Lighting up. We will all miss Colleen She was a Great Person
Linda Monahan
December 1, 2017
Colleen called me last year and told me the news that she had kidney cancer. We had a nice long talk. I graduated from Western with Colleen and we went to Europe with the Chamber Orchestra. Matt Mandrones was getting a chamber group together to go to China the year of the Olympics, and I called Colleen to see if we could be roommates and she said yes, but there's something that I should know........I snore....I said so do I. We were ready to go. Unfortunately, the trip was cancelled because we lacked about 3 people to make up the quota. I always loved being with Colleen because she was so caring and easy to be with. I will miss her, but I know that I will see her again one day. God bless you, Mike. Much love, Linda Monahan
Crystal Berry
November 29, 2017
I have so many fond memories of Colleen. I am so sad to hear this news. As neighbors I was able to bond with Sarah and Tess. Colleen embraced me as one of her own. She was such a kind, beautiful woman inside and out. I feel so blessed to have known her and Mike. Sarah and Tess too of course. They attended our wedding and played beautiful music for us. What a gift it was. Thank you for the slide show. Love you all!
Beverly York
November 29, 2017
I made a mistake, It was Colleen, Tess, and Sarah that played at my daughter's wedding. Such a blessing and beautiful day it was.
Beverly York
November 29, 2017
Our family loved Colleen so much! She taught my youngest daughter Cassandra in gradeschool at Hilltop Elementary, how to play the violin. She and Tess also played at my oldest daughter Crystal's wedding. It was so wonderful and those memories and her friendship will always be in our hearts and minds. God bless her, and may she rest in peace in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father and Jesus. Until we meet again my dear sweet friend...you will always be in our hearts and minds. Forever grateful for you being here with us on this earth....for you were and still are an angel. Gone, but never forgotten dear lady. RIP Colleen Loewen! God bless all those that love her.
Cassandra York
November 29, 2017
I'm very sorry to hear about Colleen. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She taught me how to play the violin at Hilltop Elementary as well as a treasured family friend. I remember her as a patient women, warm & inviting, and always had a smile for you. She will be greatly missed!!!
Mike Loewen
November 18, 2017
Colleen had a knack to slow down and cherish the moments, people and "things" that surrounded her at any specific time. When we went walking or hiking, I'd be eagerly looking at the next bend in the trail, but Colleen would stop in wonder and say "Hey Mike, look at this" which would be a small flower or even a snail. Something I'd miss since I was speedily going down the path. In the beginning it would sometimes frustrate me because I wanted to reach that bend in the trail, but over time I began to look forward to those "stops" and "Hey Mike"s along the path and simply enjoy and share in the discovery of what she found. She showed me how to slow down my life and enjoy everything whether its something along the path, eagles flying by our window, our children and grandchildren's development, etc. It's difficult to explain how she changed my life and made it better. In a few days it will be six months since she passed, but her love I feel daily.
Tess Wills
June 26, 2017
A few notes about my mom:
My mom laughed like no other... I remember the first joke I told that got a really good laugh from her: What happened when 500 hares got loose on Main Street? The police had to comb the area. I didn't understand the joke at all, but she requested that I tell her that joke several times, for several months afterward, and she laughed like it was new every time.
My mom was sometimes humorous when she didn't mean to be... She made a bag using cloth printed with American flags for my birthday one year. While she was still making it, one morning I woke up to see her hovering over me with a tape measure. I groggily asked, What are you doing? She said, Measuring things!, stretched the tape measure over the door, said, I didn't know that was that long!, and was gone before I could fully wake up.
My mom was beautiful... Those who saw us together always, without fail, told me how much I looked like her. I knew how beautiful she was, so I always said Thank you. In junior high school, she was waiting outside the locker room for me to get done with drill team practice; the coach asked me if she was my mom, and when I told her yes, she said She's gorgeous! She retained her beauty for a long time; 2 or 3 years ago, she came to visit my workplace, and my boss did a double-take when he saw her in the hallway.
My mom loved fiercely, deeply, and forever... She was so patient with me in my rebellious teenage years, and I don't know how she did it. My dad spoke of their love in the way they looked at each other, and I remember seeing it. Every weekday, when he walked in the door, she would look at him, smile, and say Mikey very tenderly and in those moments I knew how much my parents loved one another.
She was so special and it's so hard to believe that she's gone now. She will be missed by so many. While it feels cruelly unfair that I won't see her again in this life, I take comfort that I will see her again.
I love you, Mommy.
Linnie and Larry Peterson
June 26, 2017
Colleen, my dearest friend and college roommate was beautiful in every way. Her infectious smile radiated love. You could trust her with your inner-most thoughts and feelings, because you knew she would understand. Colleen accepted you, just the way you were, no judgement. She knew how to gently and lovingly support you in your life.
Colleen had a zest for life. Whether on a trip or quiet time together, she graced us with her wisdom, amazing sense of humor and her always expanding repertoire of Jokes. We went home happy and with a smile.
When Colleen told me that she and Mike bought a home on Camano Island, I literally was jumping for joy. Colleen's great enthusiasm for Camano heightened our pleasure as we talked about the soaring eagles, the moonlight on the water, the various boats that passed by and the darling bunnies.
Colleen produced a glorious tone on her cello, one that matched her warm loving spirit.
Even amid difficulties, her calm presence prevailed. I will forever hear her voice in the funny words and phrases that sent us into peals of laughter. Colleen is in my heart always.
Our love to Mike and the family,
Linnie and Larry
Cheryl Stevens
June 20, 2017
Sara and John, Jeff and I are praying for you and your boys. No words can express how much our hearts go out to you.
Sara Lovell
June 20, 2017
One of my favorite memories with my Mommy, was one year in December. She was in the process of making all her Christmas cookies which took weeks to complete. It was the Saturday when she was going to bake her Danish Butter Cookies. They were always my favorite. This was surprising because they had sprinkled nuts on top of them and I never liked nuts on, or in, my cookies. I realized that year that I liked them because they were cut up so small that the nuts were more of a flavor enhancer instead of a texture detraction. It baffled me though because I had never seen her chop up the walnuts. So, I asked her, "Mom, how do you get the nuts so small?" She responded with something like, "I'll show you." She proceeded to get out and assemble her blender, added the walnuts to her desired level, and added the lid. Once she had it plugged in she turned to me and said, "Okay, Sara, watch this!" The next thing I knew was there were walnut pieces EVERYWHERE. All over the kitchen, all over her, all over me...just everywhere. And I was laughing so hard and my dad was too. She was spewing obscenities and telling us it wasn't funny, but we couldn't stop laughing. Her anger caused us to laugh harder. Apparently the blender hadn't quite been screwed into its base properly and it all came apart when she pressed the "blend" button. To this day, whenever something goes everywhere, we call it a "Sara, watch this!" moment. This always helps me keep my messes in perspective and lets me laugh at my snafu's.
Janice Dougherty
June 17, 2017
As I struggle to realize that Colleen is no longer here on earth, I am so disappointed that I didn't spend more time with Colleen. Our grandfathers were brothers so I guess that makes us officially 2nd cousins, but she always called me "cuz." We got to visit the Jurgens at their various homes. I remember the house in Edmonds that had a folding wall between the girls' and Scott's room. As adults, we lived quite close to each other in Bothell and our daughters went to school together. I remember seeing Tess' harp in their living room for years and eventually, I, too, learned how to play the harp. Our paths would cross in musical settings, I was always so proud to have "my cousin" playing the cello. My favorite memory is when I was privileged to have Colleen play with me as I sang on Christmas Eve at church. In the last few years, my husband and I moved to Bellingham. The Loewens moved to Camano Island. I appreciated the opportunities to reconnect with Colleen and Mike and see their lovely home. It occurred to me that Colleen got to pass on to the next life in their home, what a lovely, beloved setting.
Mike Loewen
June 13, 2017
The greatest gift "my lovely wife" ever gave me (and it was given thousands of times) was the expression of love when we looked into each other's eyes. And her ever present smile which persisted every day over the last year. I can't express the depth of love we shared and the memories I carry with me. Thank you to all who shared in her life...I love you all for the joy you brought her.
Shannon Klemm
June 13, 2017
Some of the best lessons I learned from Colleen......keep trying, work hard, but have fun. She was a student teacher at MLT HS when I was there....and she taught my daughter years later.
Happy Hour with Colleen, Mike, Myrnie and Ruben. At the Sheraton, Downtown Seattle - December.
Ruben Van Kempen
June 12, 2017
Always smiling and laughing. With Myrnie, Mike and Ruben at the Sheraton, Seattle - December 2016.
Robin HasBrouck
June 12, 2017
Our hearts are hurting. We've lost our dearest most precious Colleen. She gave us love, humor, great
jokes, confidence and demonstrated how to love and raise a family. Her many friends, colleagues, fellow
musicians all treasure the time spent with her. She was spectacular! I'd say near perfection. In fact her heroic
husband used to call her " monk". The way she played her cello was a thing of beauty and concentration. Every
note as well as every jewel she wore was well planned and placed perfectly. What a girl! Here we are celebrating
a wonderful life that we were so privileged to be a part of. Our beautiful, dear Colleen, we will remember and never forget to be happy and joyous every "26th".
Myrnie Van Kempen
June 12, 2017
I first saw Colleen when I was in the 7th grade. I was immediately captivated by this tall, beautiful cello player across from me in the Meadowdale HS orchestraparticularly her long blond hair that cascaded to her waist. Five years later I saw her across the orchestra during rehearsal in the Cascade Symphony cello section when I was a senior in HS and again stood in awe of her cello skills, her gregarious personality and that hair but never had the guts to talk to her.
Fast forward Fifteen years . I'd been working as a string teacher in the Edmonds School district for about six years and the district had just hired a new elementary string teacher. I was asked to meet up with this person and catch her up to speed. I arranged to have the new hire come to my home on a late August evening as my kids were ages 2 and 3. The doorbell rang and as the three of us scurried to the door and opened it there she was again! We both stood staring at each other for a moment before laughing, pointing and simultaneously uttering I know you!
Colleen Loewen officially entered my life and changed it forever. As we spent some time catching up with our lives I was immediately impressed by Colleen's warmth toward my two kids. As they tumbled about the living room floor in their underwear on this warm summer evening Colleen interacted with them and they immediately responded. I knew this was a person that had all the right stuff. Over the years her ability to connect with people in a real, warm, kind and authentic way was a constant example to me.
Colleen and I became colleagues and over the next two decades spent time together in our teaching positions but also playing in orchestras, performing chamber music and getting together socially with each other and our families. We watched our children grow up together and supported each other as we weathered the many stages and challenges of raising families and keeping marriages together.
There were many fun memories but high on the list was being roommates during the 1st week of august at the Annual Orchestra teacher's Birch bay workshop. We planned with great anticipation where we were going to stay, what to bring and when we went out to dinner at the Cliffhouse restaurant in Bellingham. As you can well imagine, Colleen packed and planned with utmost efficiency and Germanic low maintenance . One treasured memory was when I actually hauled a mini-fridge, a huge box fan, and at least three boxes of food and cooking supplies when we decided to stay in the dorms at Western. I will never forget the look on her face as she saw my overflowing car and then tipped her head back, laughing so hard she cried. Ever the positive and supportive friend, she cheerfully helped me schlep all that gear up 10 stories to our shared room. Over the years she never failed to remind me of that moment which of course resulted in raucous laugher.
In addition to her gracious kindness, Colleen's sense of humor was one of the hallmarks of her charm. She had the ability to find humor in nearly every situation be it a spot on observation or a ribald comment. I must say her ribald humor was one of her most endearing qualities and I'm pretty sure all that knew her could relate a spicy anecdote reflecting that gift. Colleen also had an uncanny ability to imitate peopletheir speech patterns, walks and crazy things they saidall in kindness, of course! One summer while attending Birch Bay she and I drove into Bellingham to attend a WWU summer stock production directing entitled Ladies in Waiting. One performance was enough for Colleen to absorb the nuance and memorize some key lines. The two main characters were Emily and Ellen, both high brow, somewhat doddering British Ladies who were sometimes not all there. Colleen dubbed me Emily and herself Ellen. Twenty years later we still greeted other with British elongated vowels EiiiimmmmiiilllllleeeEillllllliiiinnnnnand signed off on our emails similarly. Colleen's favorite line which she quoted was Emiiiillllyyyy..I don't want to go to baaaaiiiidd. I would respond..Oh no, Ellliiiinnnnnn it is time to go baaaiiiiidd! All done with a heavy British accent. We would go back and forth with that dialogue finally ending it with cackling laughter.
Colleen's diagnosis was devastating. However the grace in the way she fought and how she maintained her sense of humor to the end (It's the 26th ) will always be an inspiration for me and all who loved her. I will miss her forever. Sweet Eiiilllliiinnn/Colleen.it's time to go to baaiiiiiiidddd.
Janet Hollingsworth
June 12, 2017
Colleen was my music teacher when I was 10-12. I will never forget her long blonde hair, which I envied, her kind smile, and her price when she came to my honor band concert. RIP Colleen.
Norm Jonkman
June 12, 2017
Colleen played for me several times when I needed a cello player at Overlake Park Presbyterian Church. As already mentioned she always came with her cello and smile and played beautifully.
Joy Anderson
June 10, 2017
Colleen had a great wit and very positive outlook on life. She started carrying her cello to school when we were in grade school and wore out many pairs of shoes due to resting the instrument on the toe of her shoe. Little did we know that this love of music would become such a huge part of her life. How wonderful that she left such a positive legacy for all who knew her!
Dianne Rogers Stewart
June 10, 2017
Colleen was a very special person who always offered a laugh and a smile. We grew up together on Holly Lane, where there was a special and close connection between neighbors. I will always remember her fondly. We extend our love and prayers to her family. She'll be missed by many.
cellos visiting Colleen at Camano
Heidi McBride Fritts
June 8, 2017
cellos visiting Colleen at Camano
Heidi McBride Fritts
June 8, 2017
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, WA 98036-4934
Make a Donation
in Colleen Loewen's name
How to support Colleen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Colleen Loewen'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
