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Colleen Lee Wooley

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Wichita State University

FUNERAL HOME

Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - East Wichita

6555 E. Central

Wichita, Kansas

Colleen Wooley Obituary

Wooley, Colleen Lee, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2103. The service is 2:00 P.M., Monday, January 28, 2013, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East, 6555 E. Central. Preceded in death by her parents, Charles Lee Schreffler and Faye Marie (Hall) Schreffler and her sister, Geraldine (Donald) Ward. Survivors: husband, John B. Wooley; niece, Deborah (Don) Ackerly; and nephew, Charles Ackerly of Edmond, OK. Colleen was born December 13, 1930. She graduated from Wichita East High School and from Wichita State University in 1952 with a degree in Journalism. She quickly obtained employment at the Midway Kansas Chapter of the American Red Cross as the Public Relations Director. In August of 1958 she and John B. Wooley were united in marriage at St. John's Episcopal Church in Wichita, both having found the love of their lives. Colleen had a sweet, mild, kindly disposition. She was industrious, gregarious, congenial, affectionate, and loved to make new acquaintances and new friends. Colleen loved her work at the American Red Cross. In the early sixties, with John's encouragement, she resigned from the American Red Cross to have children. No children were born and when attempts at adoption failed she worked for the State of Kansas and Wichita University School of Music and other places. In the early seventies she returned to her love of journalism and returned to work as the Public Relations Director at the American Red Cross. She always enjoyed her work and the adventures of disaster relief work. She retired in 1991 after 30 years of service. Although she never had a formal lesson, Colleen loved to dance and she never missed a beat. The faster the music the better she liked it, like The 12th Street Rag, The Orange Blossom Special, and Muskrat Ramble. Numerous times, everyone on the dance floor would stop to watch her dance and then applaud her performance. The Irish mischievous sparkle in her eyes are gone now but she will always be loved and remembered by her husband John and those who knew her best. Flowers are welcome and appreciated. A memorial has been set up at Wichita State University School of Journalism, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67260, and gifts to the Alzheimer's Association, 347 S. Laura, Wichita, KS 67211, are encouraged. www.dlwichita.com

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Published by Wichita Eagle from Jan. 25 to Jan. 26, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Colleen Wooley

13 Entries

David Therkelsen

April 18, 2013

I only learned just now of Colleen's death. We worked together in American Red Cross many years. She always had a ready laugh and a kind word. And she was a fine professional. I'll always think of her with that infectious smile.

Deborah Ackerly

February 3, 2013

Aunt Colleen, I love you and miss you! I cherish the memories of you, my Mother and Grandmother laughing. God bless you.

Sherrell Holtshouser

January 27, 2013

I will always remember best the twinkle in Aunt Colleen's eyes when she smiled. Even as a child I could see the love she had for my Uncle John when she looked at him and smiled with that twinkle in her eyes.

Carolyn Russell

January 26, 2013

I remember meeting Colleen when I was a new member of PRSA working at Boeing and she was with the Red Cross. She had a wonderful smile and was so gracious, friendly and helpful. I appreciate her service and contributions and for the privilege of knowing her those many years ago. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Pat MacDonald

January 26, 2013

Colleen was both an inspiration and a mentor to me as I worked a similar position in a parallel agency with her from the early seventies to her retirement. She was always professional and always a lady. May God bless her family.

Margaret & Clyde Chapmon

January 26, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
We are so sorryt hear of your loss.

Nancy Avery

January 26, 2013

Please accept my condolences. Although it has been several years since I've seen Colleen, we had such good times while we were both working and attending journalism meetings and spending time with Marie MacDonald.She will be greatly missed by all the lives she touched.

Warene Testerman

January 26, 2013

Warene (wooley)Testerman, with family, Neal,children Sherrell, Janice, Timothy, Mark, Jennifer. We remember the good times shared on vacations, family gatherings, and quiet times at home. Colleen's smile, cheerful laugh, the sly joke, and twinkle of eye speak of friendship, love, family. We are grateful for the life and light shared with her. We observed the dance style on occasion with envy.
with love, Warene, Neal, and family

January 25, 2013

I met Colleen at a Christmas party at my cousin Jim Edwards home many years ago. She was a charming person. The description of her sweetness, kindliness, and being "loved by new acquaintances," aptly describes the Colleen I met so many years ago. I would see and visit with her many times at the beauty shop and other places. She was so interested in my daughter's journalistic career. Indeed she was an elegant beautiful lady. She undoubtedly brought joy into many peoples lives, and will be missed.
Joyce Madden

Scott Peck

January 25, 2013

Colleen always seemed so happy and her smile was contagious. She and John were my parent's friends ever since their college days at Wichita U.

Linda Gebert

January 25, 2013

I am another who learned so much under the tutelage of Colleen at the Red Cross. I worked as her administrative assistant, beginning when I was a mere 17 years old, working for two years before beginning college. Her faith in me, and giving me more responsibility than I would have expected created quite the learning and maturing experiences. She knew what she was doing, and it was a testament to her professionalism and
dedication to be a good mentor. I used to run into Colleen ocassionally and we would catch up on each other's lives, but had not seen her in recent years. John, I was sorry to hear she had passed away, especially for you. I remember her with great fondness.

K. Zimmer

January 24, 2013

I had an intership at the Red Cross in the public relations department under the direction of Mrs. Wooley during the early eighties. She was a great teacher, mentor and professional. Always sharing her knowledge, wisdom and experience. With professionalism, wisdom, striving for excellence in one's work and themselves. A great lady with a wonderful sense of self and humor. God bless Mrs. Wooley's family during this challenging time and embrace her into his great sphere of heaven.

Melissa Crawford

January 24, 2013

I became acquainted with Colleen through employment with the Red Cross in 1985. Colleen and I shared a birthday and we'd always tried to be the first one to wish the other happy birthday. Although she was always very professional, she had a great sense of humor. She was a loyal friend to many and will be missed.

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