Dr. Maureen Marie Coller

Dr. Maureen Marie (Dimmick) Coller, 61, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 8, 2011 while on vacation in Orlando, Fla.
She grew up in East Tawas and moved to Louisiana 11 years ago. After graduating from Tawas Area High School in 1968, she enrolled and graduated from Delta College's nursing program. Maureen initially worked as a registered nurse and was eventually promoted to the director of surgical services for a number of hospitals.
Maureen worked 10 years at Tawas St. Joseph Hospital, 15 years at Saginaw St. Lukes/Covenent, three years at Oschner in New Orleans and one year as an independent consultant for the Indianapolis University Medical Hospital.
Maureen always believed that an idle mind is the devil's playground. To this extent, she led an active and fulfilling life with her family. Maureen loved to show horses, attend football games, travel, scuba dive, sail in the Caribbean, ski and numerous other activities. She also had a voracious appetite for books pertaining to motivation and management.
Maureen was extremely determined to master any obstacle she faced and considered every failure as a stepping stone. She lived life her way with no regrets. Also through example and perseverance, she encouraged those around her to reach for the stars.
In retirement, Maureen fulfilled her long desired goal of attaining her Doctorate of Healthcare Administration in 2009.
Maureen also inspired others through her work with the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She was a vital member on several committees including the Scholarship Steering Committee and Government Relations Committee. Maureen's influence is exemplified in her lobbying efforts for Multiple Sclerosis related healthcare reform in Washington D.C. After being diagnosed 20 years ago, Maureen absolutely refused to let the degenerative effects of Multiple Sclerosis control her life.
Maureen was predeceased by her parents, Theodore and Eloise Sheldon Dimmick; and her sister, Dianne (Dimmick) Reitler. She is survived by her loving husband, Edward of East Tawas and Slidell La.; son, Ted along with his wife, Rachelle, and their children, Jaida and Chase of Ada; her daughter, Caryn of Madisonville, La.; and her niece, Missy (Reitler) Pehrson of East Tawas and to whom she considered a daughter.
In lieu of flowers, a gift to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an organization dear to Maureen's heart, would be greatly appreciated.
The choices we make in this world create a legacy for those who will follow. Maureen created a legacy that will live on forever.
Memorial services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Tawas on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 12:30 p.m. with a reception to immediately follow at the Elks Lodge in Tawas City.