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Maureen Browne
January 17, 2009
It is four years since Colleen left us - what are 4 years? The number of years in a term of office of President, the number of years in high school or college, maybe at 4 years old you look at your toddler and say - "look how fast she's growing, how many worda she knows, I never have to remind her to say 'please' or 'thank you' anymore! And yet the 4 years fly by. As we go to Mass this morning we celebrate having known our Colleen, having known her smile and quiet voice and her compliments words of encouragement and her big singing voice and everything she has left to us. We will try to remember a special time she smiled at us and just made our day, because she truly reminds me of the song "You are my Sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray, you never know dear, how much we love you..." Please, mother Mary and dear Jesus, hold her in Your arms for us.
Marilyn Birnie
January 18, 2006
Dear Maureen and Sean,
We remember Colleen today and thank God for the gift of her presence your lives. Wherever you are she is there still....as wonderful, loving memories always flood your soul. My thoughts, my prayers and my love are always with you today and always.
Anna Perez
January 17, 2006
On this day, I am sending prayers and love to Colleen's family, husband and friends. A year has gone by both too slowly and too quickly. Colleen continues to be missed, loved, and remembered as one of the most wonderful friends anyone could ever have. Colleen, I love you.
Colleen's Engagement Picture, thanks to Karen at Hobbs Studio
August 31, 2005
Maureen Browne
May 16, 2005
Dear Friends,
Sean and I would like to thank you for remembering our Colleen. We know how many lives she touched in her gentle way, and would like to share with you a few words I was honored to speak in her memory.
You are my sunshine
How many of us here today can say this about our Colleen? Colleen with her gentle ways and 1000-
watt smile that lit up a room when she walked in
In a quote from The Purpose Driven Life,
“Love always makes you vulnerable. There’s no way you can love and not expose yourself in some way.”
How true that is, and how vulnerable we all are.
There is so much to say about Colleen. How happy she was with her soul mate, Jeff, and how we have to come to love him as a member of our family
.
The happiest day of her life was her wedding day – she could not stop smiling – and neither could Jeff.
He said to us this week that the surest thing he knows was that Colleen knew how much he loved her – he told every day, many times a day.
And how Colleen loved so much – her sister, Melissa, who was so brave and strong when she was needed this week,
Melissa who sang Colleen to sleep.
And her nieces and nephews. Every year at Christmas, theirs were the first gifts bought and wrapped.
Her goddaughter, Mairead, who shared both Colleen’s name and her birthday.
And all the people who loved her so much and have prayed for her for so many years through her bout with cancer when she was two years old. Her aunts and uncles, Cousins and so many friends.
We want to thank everyone who took the time this week to help us, please know you are in our prayers.
We know your hearts are as sad as ours.
.
As for us, we will think of Colleen whenever we see the beautiful colors of the sunsets she loved so much here in Hull,
and we will hear her in the music she loved so much..
Anna Perez
May 9, 2005
I just wanted to write a quick note to mention that yesterday was Colleen's birthday. When we were young, Colleen loved her birthday and had a lot of fun planning parties and barbeques by the pool. She was always appreciative of every small gift people gave her and was always so touched that people would remember her and call her on her birthday. On that day every year, she would be all smiles. I was thinking of her all day yesterday, and of her family. I know that a little bit of her was with all of us yesterday as we remembered her and celebrated her wonderful life. I love you, Colleen. Happy Birthday.
Rob Bradley
February 15, 2005
I am saddened to hear of the passing of a truly great person and friend. Colleen, you are one of the nicest human beings I have ever met, had the "greatest" voice that I have ever heard, and were a true friend. I will never forget karaoke Thursday's at "The Parrot." I can still hear you singing, like it was yesterday. It was truly unforgetable. You will be sorely missed and loved.
My deepest condolensces go to Colleen and Jeff's families.
Scott McMahon
February 15, 2005
I just learned today of Colleen's passing from my mother who was at Weymouth Bank today. I was deeply saddened to hear of this. I worked with Colleen at the Ground Round and at Weymouth Co-op. I also knew what a great voice she had! My wife and I, and friends, spent many fun-filled nights of karaoke with her at the Red Parrot in Hull. We were all so lucky to have known her. She was such a nice and sincere person. She will be deeply missed! Even though she has passed on her spirit and memories will live on eternally. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to her husband, family, and friends.
Love, Scott, Nelia, and friends
Jerri-Lee O'Donnell
February 12, 2005
I still can't believe this reality. I feel for you all, and reading this book I see that Colleen brightened up many lives. CYO, elementary School, Highschool at NDA. So many memories and I can't believe I lost touch. I want you all to know I am thinking of you often and keeping you all in my prayers.
xoxoJL
Jim Connell
February 7, 2005
Today I went to the Weymouth Cooperative bank and learned of Colleen's death.
I only knew Colleen by being a customer of the bank but everytime Colleen helped me she treated me as though I were the most important person in the world. I have heard other customers say the same thing about her. She made going into the bank a joy and when ever I went in the bank I looked for her just to say hello. I settled in Weymouth with my wife only recently and because of the wandering that takes place when one is in academia have lost track of most of my friends. I am also, truth be told, somewhat recusive. Colleen, though she hardly knew me, always treated me as a friend. For me she made Weymouth a much warmer place. She was bright, perky, sweet - seemingly full of life. I only knew her as a customer but I am deeply deeply saddened today. My heart goes out to all of you who were close to her.
"Those whom the gods love die young"-ancient Greek proverb
January 30, 2005
Anna Perez
January 30, 2005
This is the second time I've signed this guest book. I look on here everyday to see the kind words that people have written about Colleen. I'm still in shock, as I'm sure so many of you are. Colleen was my best friend for as long as I can remember. She was such a wonderful, loving person. She was funny, and she was daring and she was kind. I have so many funny memories of her that I keep remembering...she was cool, and she was bad sometimes, and she was so much fun...but she was always such a love. She was an inspiration to me, and sometimes she was a stark realization of how much I didn't want to fail or disappoint her because she was so good. She was an angel, and she is an angel now. I remember the first time I ever spent time with her - we had been in a play together and she didn't like me because she thought I liked the boy she was seeing (we were what? 13?)- and so she didn't talk to me. Then the next play that we were both in, I called her and asked if she wanted to take a walk, and she paused (I knew she still didn't like me!) and said "ok..." (she was still willing to give me a chance!)...and that was how it began - one of the most influential and true friendships that I have ever experienced. And now every day I want to call her and talk to her and tell her how much I love her and how much she meant to me. Colleen, do you know how much you mean to me? I love you beyond measure. And I am so lucky, so blessed to have known you. So blessed to have been with you so many times and to have heard your laugh and your sweet voice. You were the kindest person I have ever known, and I miss you so much.
I think I’m rambling…but I miss you and I wanted to tell you. I can’t believe you are gone. My heart is broken, and I feel like a part of me is missing…and I can only imagine how your family feels, or how your husband feels, or how Christine, Anne, Erin, Lisa and Gia are feeling…You have the same friends that you have always had…and that is a true testament to what a special person you are. I’ll write to you again, and I’ll talk to you in my prayers everyday. I’d do anything to ride around with you in that old station wagon again…you’re such a special girl, Colleen. I love you.
Marilyn Birnie
January 29, 2005
Dear Sean, Maureen, Melissa and Jeff,
My heart is heavy with saddness at the loss of your dear Colleen. She was so lovely as her beauty radiated light and love to those who knew her. I heard her sing once and was touched by the sweetness of her voice..it was a gift to so many. May you be comforted by the tender and compassionate hand of God and may the very thought of your beautiful daughter/sister/wife be as a blessed fragrance from heaven's garden. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers many times a day.
Nancy Severance
January 29, 2005
Maureen & Family,
I am so sorry for your lost. Even know I never met Colleen I felt close to her because of you. I will always be here for you when you need a friend to talk to.
Bill Loomer
January 27, 2005
Dear Sean, Maureen, Melissa and Jeff,
I can't express to you all how stunned and saddened I was to hear of Colleen's passing. She was a truly beautiful person who touched many peoples lives. I feel fortunate that I was able to get to know Colleen as a friend and perform with her during the various shows that the Genesian's and Hingham Civic put on.
As you said the night of the wake Sean "God must have a plan and someday we'll understand". I'm sure you're right Sean. I'm also sure that Colleen was one of his best and brightest lights.Maybe that's why he chose to bring her up to Heaven at this time.
I know your family's faith is strong and will help you get through this difficult time. God Bless you all, and God Bless Colleen.
Love Bill and Melissa Loomer
Patty Canova
January 26, 2005
Dear Jeff,Sean,Maureen,Melissa,and Bill,
What beautiful words and tributes to a beautiful young woman. Joe and I are so overwhelmingly sad about your loss.Every word said about Colleen these past days has brougt a picture of her beautiful face to mind.The verse on my calendar the other day made me think of Colleen too,it said "The world is an incredible unfulfilled tapestry.And only you can fulfill the tiny space that is yours." Colleen surely fulfilled that tiny space making this world so much sweeter,it just happened in too short of time.
Forever in our hearts,Colleen
Forever in our prayers dear family
Love,Joe and Patty
Anne (O'Donnell) Lyons
January 24, 2005
To Jeff, The Browne's and all who loved Colleen: There is little I can say to others that can help ease the pain of this time. Colleen is my best friend and it will never be the same without her. We shared everything together from the biggest moments of our lives, getting married and being such a big part in each other's wedding to the simplest things such as sharing our day. I am the luckiest person in the world to have known this beautiful person the way I did and take comfort in the knowledge she lived a full and extremely happy life. Jeff, you made Colleen the happiesst woman in the world and I thank you for that! Sean, Maureen and Melissa (and family) she told me often that she was the person she became because of you. She thought herself very lucky to have such a family. For everyone that is left we have each other to keep her memeory alive. Please in her memory let's keep in touch.
Elizabeth Pillion
January 23, 2005
My dear niece Maureen, her husband Sean, JEFF, Melissa and family, and my dear sister, Marian O'Connell, Colleen's grandmother:
My heart is heavy with sorrow for your great loss, and my prayers will be with you now and always.
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP
I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP
I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW
I AM THE DIAMOND GLINT ON SNOW
I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON THE RIPENED GRAIN
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN’S RAIN
WHEN YOU AWAKEN IN THE MORNING HUSH
I AM THE SWIFT UPLIFTING RUSH
OF QUIET BIRDS IN CIRCLE FLIGHT
I AM THE SOFT STARS THAT SHINE AT NIGHT
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND CRY
I AM NOT THERE, I DID NOT DIE
I WILL BE IN YOUR HEARTS FOREVER.
Colleen was like a fine cut diamond that will shine in our lives and hearts forever.
With love and long distance hugs.
Your loving Aunt Bette
Elizabeth Pillion
January 23, 2005
My dear niece Maureen, Sean, Jeff, Melissa and children and last but not least, my sister Marian O'Connell, Colleen's grandmother:
My heart is very heavy with sorrow for all of you, and my prayers will be with you now and always.
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP
I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP
I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW
I AM THE DIAMOND GLINT ON SNOW
I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON THE RIPENED GRAIN
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN’S RAIN
WHEN YOU AWAKEN IN THE MORNING HUSH
I AM THE SWIFT UPLIFTING RUSH
OF QUIET BIRDS IN CIRCLE FLIGHT
I AM THE SOFT STARS THAT SHINE AT NIGHT
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND CRY
I AM NOT THERE, I DID NOT DIE
I WILL FOREVER BE IN YOUR HEARTS
Colleen was like a fine cut diamond and her memory will be forever with all of us.
Love you all.
Aunt Bette
Jim & Fran Kneeland
January 22, 2005
Elizabeth Kubler Ross said, “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if their light is from within”. Colleen was one of those souls who always had a light within. She touched everyone with her warmness and kindness and she will be sorely missed by everyone who came in contact with her.
Her sweet smile, gentle way and genrosity will always be a tribute to the Browne family. May God bless you all. She will always be in our prayers.
Kate Gardner (Parsons)
January 22, 2005
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Browne and D'Attilio families. Collen was one of the sweetest people I have known and I will never forget her beautiful smile, glorious singing voice, and contagious laugh. She will be remembered always. My prayers are with all of you, family and friends, in this time of great sadness.
Paul, Lynda, Kurt, Lindsey & Meredith Volkringer
January 21, 2005
Dear Sean, Maureen and Melissa:
We were so saddened to hear of Colleen's unexpected death from Jean Steuterman. I remember her great outlook on life and her ready smile, even as a child. It seemed she was wise beyond her years. I know the years she spent physically here with us have enriched many people's lives. Keep those precious memories close to your heart and Colleen will always be there, too. Be assured of our prayerful support in the days ahead. So sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
The Volkringer Family
Anne (O'Donovan) & Rob Gilberti
January 21, 2005
Dear Maureen, Sean & Family,
We we very saddened to learn of Colleens passing. May it bring you comfort to know that so many are keeping you and your family in their thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Harriet Carroll
January 21, 2005
For Maureen, Sean, Missy and Jeff;
"If I should die, and leave you here awhile,
Be not like others, sore afraid,
Who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep.
For my sake, turn again to life, and smile;
Nerving thy heart and trembling hands to do something to comfort other hearts than thine.
Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine,
And I, perchance, may therein comfort you."
Author unknown
Lisa Bailot
January 20, 2005
The passing of Colleen was an immense loss. She was such a courageous, cheerful, and positive person, who for the time she was on this earth brightened many lives. I find comfort in thoughts of Colleen enjoying life, loving her family, husband, friends, and having done all the things (theater, singing, travel, etc...) she truly enjoyed. May all of you find peace and comfort from knowing so many people care and are keeping you in their prayers, and also from the wonderful love and memories that were created by Colleen.
Yana Goe
January 20, 2005
When I moved to Weymouth from Knoxville Tn, Colleen was one of the first persons I had met(at the bank). She was just wonderful, always smiling and willing to help one out. Having lost a child myself,I know what her parents are feeling. Let God carry you through this. Prayers to her husband and family.
Judy Geagan
January 20, 2005
Dear Jeff, Maureen, Sean, and Melissa:
My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to each and every one of you.
Jeff,
I didn't know you, I met you tonight under unfortunate circumstances. However, if you were Colleen's husband you must have been a great guy. Because, she only radiated greatness! Feel in your heart that she was loved and will be missed by many people. And to your family they lost a beautiful daughter-in-law, and a sister-in-law.
Sean, Maureen & Melissa:
Your daughter/sister had the voice of an angel,and she was a beautiful young woman inside and outside. I am sure she is up in Heaven singing away in some choir now.
I have a lot of happy & funny memories of Colleen.
The glitter gown! The one that she wore in the wizard of OZ!
Her gown that probably started off as a size 12 and by the time I got it to fit her right it was down to a double "00"!
All that glitter!
She was so patient through out the whole cutting, sewing, and glitter.
Then there was the time she just got her license and took down a section of my fence. She was so upset and was scared to tell her dad. I promised her I wouldn't say a word, and then she went and told him herself. That's how she was.
I would see her in the bank from time to time and I saw how the little kids radiated to her warm smile.
She will be missed.............
My prayers are with you and your families.
Judy Geagan
Tricia Condon-Benner
January 20, 2005
When I think of Colleen- All I can think of is a breath of fresh air. You can not say that about a lot of people. She will always be one of the most beautiful people that we will all ever know.
My prayers and support are with the Browne's and D'Attilio's.
Jeff, even though I have never met you I am praying for you at this extremely difficult time.
Love,
Tricia (Condon) Benner
Tim & Debbie Reidy
January 20, 2005
Moe & Sean,
We are so very sorry. Colleen was such a beautiful and extraordinarily nice young woman, we immediately fell in love with her and so enjoyed being part of her wonderful wedding.
No words can convey our heartfelt sympathy but please know you, Colleen, and Jeff are in our hearts and prayers. Though there is a thousand miles between us,we hope you know we are there with you in spirit.
With much love,
Beautiful Colleen
January 20, 2005
January 20, 2005
January 20, 2005
Gia Piemonte
January 20, 2005
Colleen was one of my bestfriends. I've know her for 25 years.Growing up we lived in Gaslight together and as we got older we ended up working together at the Ground Round and from there we went to the Weymouth Bank. We used to reminisce about old times everyday whether be about Gaslight,CYO dances,CYO ski trips,boys we liked,going to Brian Kelley's cottage, hanging out at my house,her house,the Cuoco house(Colleen loved Mrs. Cuocos homemade ravioli) or Fiander house we had so many good memories together. My family and I are so blessed to have been in Colleens life. Colleen had this way about her, she was always so happy,and caring of others. Colleen was a joy to be around and she will be deeply missed by everyone.
Mr. & Mrs. Browne you blessed the world with a wonderful daughter, sister,wife,aunt and friend. For that, we will all be eternally grateful. My prayers are with you always. May God be you and fill your hearts with joy and peace.
God Bless Gia,Kathy,& Christina
Jim Meady
January 20, 2005
Sean, Maureen, Marisa and Jeffrey,
Jerri Walsh just called me and told me of Colleen's passing. I call it passing because Colleen has now passed from our hands to the hands of her Lord and Saviour. She was a loving person who brought joy and happiness to everyone with whom she had contact. For my part, I was fortunate to watch her grow from a young girl to young woman. She always had a great personality and outlook on life in spite of her hardships.
Jeffrey, I never had the opportunity to meet you but I'm sure that you're a great guy because Colleen chose you as her life partner. I hope you can find some comfort knowing how loved she was.
My prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May God bless you all and keep you all in the palm of His hand.
Love, Jim
Amy Labresh Byrd
January 19, 2005
I have not seen Colleen in many years, but I remember her as being one of the nicest, most genuine people I'd ever met. I will always hold dear the times I spent with her on the stage both with the Genesian Players and at Notre Dame. I always loved to hear her sing; she had the most beautiful, angelic voice. She was so special and I know she will be greatly missed by so many. What a tragic loss. My sincerest sympathies to Sean, Maureen, Melissa and Jeffery.
Sherri (Otis) Gunville
January 19, 2005
We were saddened to hear about Colleen's passing. I fondly remember our fun times at Gaslight. Our sympathies to her family.
Love, Sherri, Andy & Sara Gunville & Ruthee, Don & John
January 19, 2005
Charlene McCabe
January 19, 2005
Jack and I cannot express the deep sadness we felt when we learned of Colleen's death. She was such a sweet and beautiful young lady. Now she will be singing with the other angels in heaven. Our prayers are with you. May you find strength and peace in knowing we care and are praying for you. God Bless.
Peggy Perez
January 19, 2005
Colleen was unbelievably precious and she will be lovingly missed by our family. I dearly enjoyed her friendship with Anna and often think of the many plays they did together at St Francis. Please know that Colleen will be in my prayers daily. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Laura Aicardi (Sudanowicz)
January 19, 2005
Mr. & Mrs Brown and family:
I am so very sorry to hear of Colleen's passing. I have very many wonderful memories of growing up with her, thru our days at St. Francis Xavier. I remember her laughter, her smiles, her dancing and passion for singing. Her nick-name "Felix." I am actually left speechless as I think into the past about our growing up with one another. She is a very special person and the gates to heaven will be wide open for her without question. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
God Bless you.
Laura Aicardi
Dina Solimini
January 19, 2005
I couldn't believe my ears when my Mom told me today of Colleen's passing. My condolances to her family. I went to St. Francis with Colleen and remember her as an extremely nice person and always smiling. Funny thing, I use to see her and her Grandma at the mall once in a while. I am sorry to hear of the news.
Missy Beresford
January 19, 2005
To the Brown and D'Attilio Families,
My husband and I are deeply saddened by Colleen's passing - she was a sweet and kind person who touched everyone's heart she came across. Our son Justin has spent the past two NewYear's and many other celebrations playing with Colleen - she was wonderful with babies and all kids. Colleen will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.
Missy, Steve, and Justin Beresford
Tom & Erin O'Donnell
January 19, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to Colleen's family and friends. We knew Colleen through (her friend)Anne and will always remember her kind, gracious manner and her smile that could light up the world.
Pete Umile
January 19, 2005
Colleen always had a way to bring a smile to your face, she will be missed. My condolences to her husband and her family.
John Steuterman
January 19, 2005
Dear Sean, Maureen, Jeff, Melissa and family,
Jean shared with me the news of Coleen's death when I called home on Monday night as I am out of town on a business trip.
I will be unable to extend my personal condolances until I return to the area Friday morning. Be assured you all have my prayerful support.
I am reminded of the "shortest verse in the bible" a verse that described Jesus's reaction upon hearing of the death of his friend Lazarus in the gospel of Matthew. It reads "Jesus wept."
In sharing with us our humanity, only he knows the depth of your sorrow.
God bless and keep you all,
John
I will be unable to personally extend my
Suzanne Newman
January 19, 2005
My family is deeply saddened by the news of Colleen's passing. My 3 year old son would run up to Colleen in the bank and she would smile and give him a lollipop. He has been going into the bank since a baby and was always drawn to Colleen. No doubt it was her beautiful smile, sweet voice and warm disposition. Our visits to the bank won't be the same.
In our thoughts and prayers,
Matt, Suzanne and Matthew Newman
Jerri-Lee O'Donnell
January 19, 2005
Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Melissa and Jeffrey,
I am so very sad to hear this news. I haven't seen you all in years but I have so many memories of Colleen from when we were little. Swimming and playing sorry on her bunk beds and walking to the square, so many memories. She was so good to me and so insightful when we would talk, I wanted to be just like her when we were little. I'll never forget her singing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. take care, love Jerri-Lee
Anna Perez
January 19, 2005
What a beautiful person. Colleen was always such a wonderful friend to me. I have so many funny memories of her. She will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to her family.
Allison Hutchinson
January 19, 2005
Colleen was one of the sweetest person's I have ever met. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Erin Ward (Sheehan)
January 19, 2005
Colleen is one of my best friends, I loved her. We were bridesmaids in each other's weddings. I will always remember the special times together, celebrating New Year's, all our bachelorette parties, and just playing games on a Saturday night. I am honored to have been part of her life. I will always remember her beautiful voice and her gorgeous smile.
Jean Steuterman
January 19, 2005
Dear Sean, Maureen, and Jeff, On behalf of the Steuterman Family, I extend our heartfelt sympathy on the death of Colleen. I am sure Matthew met Colleen as she entered Heaven to guide her. May they both rest in God's peace and light. They are truly now Children of God. God Bless you all. You are, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers.
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